2023 Orlando City Position Previews: Fullbacks
![Aug 31, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City defender Kyle Smith (24) reacts after scoring a Aug 31, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City defender Kyle Smith (24) reacts after scoring a](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4892,h_2751,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/316/01gsr7bjm3q0ns31jz26.jpg)
Rafael Santos
Age: 25
2022 Stats: 32 appearances, 1 assist (Brazil)
Orlando City brought in a pair of new left backs to replace Moutinho on the left side of defence. Brazilian Rafael Santos was brought in from Cruzeiro and could be a significant piece of the backline this season.
He's played primarily in the Brazilian second division for most of his career, but he already has a ton of professional experience by age 25.
Santos is a fairly under-the-radar player, so a lot is to be determined about his ability at this level. He came on as a substitute in the Lions' final preseason game against New England, but the Brazilian was beaten in the box for the game-winning goal.