The MLS roster freeze on Sept. 13 will come quicker than Orlando City SC supporters think.
Orlando City SC coaches and scouts seek player additions to turn their season around before MLS rosters freeze in September. But do they have any additions already on the roster we haven’t seen yet?
We’ve briefly seen one of them. One minute into second-half stoppage time vs. Charlotte FC defender Alex Freeman substituted for midfielder Ivan Angulo.
As Orlando played the waning seconds with the advantage, they were even 2-2 with the home team. He got off a successful pass. Then he took took Orlando’s last shot. It was on-target, one of the club’s nine for the match.
Supporters may have missed Freeman, as that’s his only appearance this season. But the sharp performance was not luck. He’s skilled.
He’s shown off that skill much more often with Orlando City B team. When that squad trailed 2-0 against Carolina Core FC, iFreeman started the comeback.
He scored in the 72nd minute while continuing to help anchor the backline. The B squad finished the game in a 2-2 draw. While not a win, it marked the largest deficit that team has overcome since August of 2023.
He joined the Orlando City organization on the U-17 squad. He previously developed at Weston Academy both as defender and winger. The latter position explains his advanced offensive skills. He also comes with an aptitude for speed. He demonstrates the focus necessary to keep City competitive.
The right-footed player is strongest on the right of the pitch, both as defender or winger.
As MLS squads go this season, City has kept quiet about transfers, scouting rumors, and developing players on the bench. So supporters who haven’t watched the B team, or looked away in final stoppage time against Charlotte, missed seeing Alex Freeman earning his shot.
He’s earned it now. And what’s more, in his test late against Charlotte he wasn’t intimidated to press toward the goal.
Orlando City SC has help on the right side of the pitch when they need it.