Orlando City SC did it: Yutaro Tsukada gets an MLS contract

Forward Yutaro Tsukada didn’t get on the pitch for the 2024 Leagues Cup. But from the bench, he got a contract with Orlando City SC.

Orlando City SC has exited the 2024 Leagues Cup. But one bench player emerged from the competition with a reward. Forward Yutaro Tsukada has a contract with the senior club.

Orlando City has returned to drills for the MLS competition. They’re joined by Tsukada, who is learning his increased role on the pitch.

Tsukada moves from Orlando City B to the senior team with a contract through 2025, with options through 2027. Senior Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said he’s convinced of the player’s impact on his team through speed and technique.

Tsukada statistically has only one minute of work in MLS. Yet during that minute, scouts saw pro-level passing skills. It was in the hard-fought draw with Inter Miami earlier this season. Tsukada went in during second-half stoppage time and had the last shot attempt of the match.

He got a look from the right side of the box, missing to the left.

Add to this Tsukada’s work with the B team and the organization is ready for him to complete his development in MLS.

With Orlando City B he scored four goals plus four assists in 12 starts. This includes his first professional brace against New York Red Bulls II, a 3-1 win. He only joined City B with a contract in March.

He’s the first West Virginia University player to go in the MLS SuperDraft when Orlando City picked him in the first round in 2023.

Scouts know he’s already effective at every level as a left winger. He’s also competitive at center forward.

From this point, it’s Tsukada’s choice. The team has his back as long as he’s demonstrating continued development in drills and when taking the pitch as a substitute.

With the team at his back and willingness to progress, Yutaro Tsukada will make the impact in MLS he did playing for Orlando City B. He’ll get his second professional brace.