Orlando City began its 2026 season at home on Saturday, welcoming the New York Red Bulls in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer opener. Featuring a roster with numerous fresh talents alongside established veterans, the club looks to build on past successes and chart a new course for the season at Inter&Co Stadium.
With significant reinforcements across every position, the Lions are focused on blending youth, experience, and international skill to strengthen their chances in this campaign.
Introducing Fresh Talent and Strategic Acquisitions
Following nearly four months off, Orlando City returns with a substantially revamped lineup, adding nine new first-team players. The roster updates include three U-22 Initiative signings and a key defensive addition in right back Griffin Dorsey, acquired from Houston. The Lions bolstered their goalkeeping with Maxime Crépeau, part of a championship-winning squad, while enhancing midfield strength by bringing in Braian Ojeda.
The team also invested in promising Brazilian players Tiago, Luís Otávio, and Iago, who add depth and versatility. Midfielder Wilder Cartagena rejoined his teammates Eduard Atuesta and Ojeda, solidifying one of MLS’s most formidable central midfield units. On the attacking front, Homegrown forward Justin Ellis was promoted from the club’s Academy and Orlando City B. Furthermore, the club strengthened its ranks via the MLS SuperDraft, signing forward Harvey Sarajian from Wake Forest and center back Nolan Miller from Michigan.
“Meet the 2026 Lions 🦁 pic.twitter.com/cUCP2ggo7K” — Orlando City SC
Continuing the Tradition of a Strong Home Ground
Orlando City’s 2026 campaign marks the 12th straight MLS season opening on home turf, a streak dating back to the club’s MLS debut in 2015. The Lions aim to reclaim momentum after their unbeaten run in home openers ended last season with a loss to Philadelphia Union. Historically, Orlando City holds a 3-1-7 record in opening day matches, underscoring the challenge and opportunity in starting strong at Inter&Co Stadium.
This venue also features new local foods added to its well-known “Orlando Made” concessions, enhancing the gameday experience for fans celebrating the season kickoff.
“Matchday just got some new flavor 🍽️🎉 New local favorites are joining the award-winning “Orlando Made” concessions lineup at Inter&Co Stadium for 2026!” — Inter&Co Stadium
Leadership Anchored by Veteran Players
Key returning veterans from last season’s squad will help lead the team, notably midfielder Martín Ojeda, who recently signed a contract extension through the 2028-29 MLS season. Ojeda arrives off a career-best year, having scored 20 goals and provided 19 assists across all competitions, establishing himself as a pivotal attacking force. He is joined by designated player Marco Pašalić, whose impactful rookie season included 15 goals, six assists, and an MLS All-Star appearance.
“Find the chest. Win the kit 🏆 Only one is hidden inside @InterCo_Stadium in a fan-accessible area. Be there on gameday to find it first—ticket required.” — Orlando City SC
Milestones Within Reach for Key Players
Martín Ojeda heads into the season approaching several significant club milestones. He stands just five assists away from tying Orlando City’s all-time record held by former captain Mauricio Pereyra with 47 assists in all competitions. Ojeda is also chasing the club’s scoring record of 47 goals, held by Facundo Torres, needing 14 goals to share the mark. With a current tally of 17 goals and eight assists, Ojeda is poised to become the first player in Orlando City history to achieve 50 goals or assists, marking him among the club’s most productive offensive talents.
Similarly, Marco Pašalić is one goal shy of becoming Orlando City’s all-time leading scorer on MLS opening days. Having matched forward Cyle Larin’s record of two goals in a season opener last year, a goal against New York Red Bulls would give Pašalić the record outright and add to his rapid rise as a key attacking threat for the Lions.
Other players are closing in on impressive milestones as well. Duncan McGuire looks to score his 31st goal for Orlando City in all competitions, which would tie former captain Nani for fourth place on the club’s all-time scoring list.
“Final preparations 💪 pic.twitter.com/wHxNKC6ye8” — Orlando City SC
Looking Forward to a Season of Growth and Achievement
The 2026 season opener highlights Orlando City’s commitment to combining new talent with seasoned players to compete at the highest MLS levels. With a focused squad featuring the leadership of Martín Ojeda and Marco Pašalić, alongside exciting newcomers like Griffin Dorsey and Harvey Sarajian, the Lions are eager to start a new chapter in their development.
As the team aims to establish a winning home opener streak and pursue individual and collective milestones, fans can expect an engaging and competitive season ahead at Inter&Co Stadium.
Meet the 2026 Lions 🦁 pic.twitter.com/cUCP2ggo7K
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 20, 2026
A fresh start in front of us as we take a look at The Road Ahead, presented by @audi 🛣️
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 19, 2026
Matchday just got some new flavor 🍽️
New local favorites are joining the award-winning “Orlando Made” concessions lineup at Inter&Co Stadium for 2026!
— Inter&Co Stadium (@InterCo_Stadium) February 18, 2026
Find the chest. Win the kit 🏆
Only one is hidden inside @InterCo_Stadium in a fan-accessible area. Be there on gameday to find it first—ticket required.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 18, 2026
Final preparations 💪 pic.twitter.com/wHxNKC6ye8
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 20, 2026
