Orlando City SC scouts signed another pitch-ready talent for the Lions when the team signed midfielder Tyrese Spicer.
Sometimes, Orlando City SC supporters wonder what the front office is thinking as they acquire seemingly unknown talent. But in the case of signees like midfielder Tyrese Spicer, the scouts have done their job. They know exactly how the player will perform on the pitch.
Before this season started, some supporters doubted defensive midfielder Joran Gerbet would have a positive impact. But from his first moments on the pitch during a friendly, then in competitive play, he skillfully and creatively found ways to contribute to the team.
The Lions got into a grinding battle with the New York Red Bulls. Orlando went down a player in the 56th minute after two yellow cards to Rodrigo Schlegel. Down a player and working with a 0-0 draw, Gerbet instinctively went to screen the backline, intercept the ball, and connect the defenders to their attack.
Scouts chose Gerbet as someone who is pitch-ready. They found Spicer the same way.
In the team’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, Spicer scored and set a newcomer’s record for the Lions. His goal came one minute, 10 seconds into the match. That’s the fastest score for someone making their team debut with Orlando.
City acquired Spicer from Toronto FC for $225,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $275,000 in 2026 GAM. Another $50,000 could be due after performance incentives are achieved.
The left winger finished a standout career with Lipscomb University with 29 goals and 18 assists in 57 appearances. He was the 2023 ASUN player of the year. Then, in 2024, Toronto selected him first overall in the MLS SuperDraft.
He’s earned six caps for the Trinidad and Tobago senior national team and two additional appearances on the U-15 team. He made his senior international debut in March 2025 in the Concacaf Gold Cup qualification match against Cuba, where the Soca Warriors prevailed 2-1.
The competition becomes fiercer at this point in the MLS season. But scouts have found excellent personnel to help Orlando City SC fight. They’ll need the punch.