O-Town's 11
Fansided

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese inks new contract

By Ethan Lee Chalk

Pedro Gallese has put pen to paper, signing a new deal which will keep him with the team through 2024.
Pedro Gallese has put pen to paper, signing a new deal which will keep him with the team through 2024. / Roy K. Miller/ISI Photos/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit

Pedro Gallese has decided to stay with Orlando City, signing a new contract that will keep him in the squad through 2024, with an additional option for the following year.

The Peruvian international has been a big part of Orlando's success since he joined in 2020. This includes playing every minute of the final three U.S. Open Cup games leading Orlando to their maiden tournament win. Since arriving he has taken Orlando to the postseason every year.

Appearing in 73 games across three years, he has become one of the team's better players and was selected as an MLS All-Star in 2021. At 32 years of age, he still has plenty of soccer left and won't leave the starting keeper spot anytime soon.

Before joining Orlando, he played Veracruz in Liga MX in Mexico. He showed experience, leadership and skill at the back of the field. Internationally, he has become the number-one choice of goalkeeper for Peru.

Pedro Gallese
The first-choice keeper competed for Peru at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. / Ronald Martinez/GettyImages

During the league last season, he started in 32 of Orlando's 34 matches keeping a club-record nine clean sheets. Even though he only allowed 47 goals and made 79 saves with a save percentage of 62.7%, he could only get the club to 7th on the table.

Gallese also made the MLS Save of the Year, becoming the second Orlando keeper to win the award. Against Atlanta United, he saved a shot from former Orlando striker Dom Dwyer with a miraculous save.

With the departures of Joao Moutinho and Ruan for the new season, Galleses's extension is a win for the Orlando faithful. Both backup keepers Adam Grinwis and Mason Stajduhar will also stay with the club, as Grinwis secured a new contract earlier in the offseason.

“Pedro has been an important part of our Club’s success over his three years in Orlando and we’re very excited to agree to a deal that will see him remain with us for the foreseeable future,” Orlando executive vice-president and general manager Luiz Muzzi said.

“We believe he is one of the most talented goalkeepers, not only in our league but in the world and we are happy to have him representing our Club, our city and our fans.”

Home/Orlando City SC News