For the Leagues Cup, Orlando City SC has signed two players to short-term contracts. But who are they?
Supporters with sharp eyes will recognize the first signee. Forward Yutaro Tsukada appeared earlier this MLS season, substituting in late for – literally – a minute to see what he could do in league competition.
He had just enough time in his MLS debut last May to get a shot off against Inter Miami. He’s gotten a lot more work playing for Orlando City B.
So that appearance didn’t fill up the report cards of scouts working the match that day. But Orlando scouts had plenty of notes when the club selected Tsukada in the first round of the 2023 SuperDraft.
He was the first West Virginia University player ever to go in the MLS SuperDraft.
The Tokyo native had finished the Mountaineers 2023 season tied for the lead with 12 goals and leading with nine assists. His 33 points were the sixth most in the NCAA.
The second signee is midfielder Colin Guske. He worked his way up to this opportunity from the Orlando City Academy. Playing for Orlando City B, Guske and goalkeeper Juan Rojas were named to the 2024 MLS NEXT East All-Star roster.
He signed his first professional contract when he joined City B this year. He’s scored one goal plus two assists in 17 appearances, all starts.
Both Guske and Tsukuda were available on the bench for Orlando’s match with Atletico San Luis. Coaches and scouts will be watching for opportunities to work them into action.
MLS short-term contracts last for up to four days. They allow the team to place up to four players per match on the roster. The team’s affiliate club player must be age 25 or younger, among other rules. The league allows each player up to four short-term contracts per season for a maximum of 16 days.