Orlando City and Head Coach Oscar Pareja Nearing New Contract Agreement
Orlando City and head coach Oscar Pareja are in the final stages of negotiating a new contract, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Pareja’s current deal is set to expire this winter, but both parties are eager to continue their successful partnership.
Pareja joined Orlando City as head coach in 2020 and has since led the club to its most prosperous period in Major League Soccer (MLS). Under his guidance, Orlando City finished second in the Eastern Conference with a record-breaking 59 points, securing a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
In addition to Pareja’s contract extension, talks are also ongoing regarding the future of executive vice president Luiz Muzzi and technical director Ricardo Moreira. The club is keen on retaining both individuals, who have mutual contract options for 2024. Negotiations are underway for long-term deals to ensure their continued involvement with the team. Muzzi and Moreira assumed their roles in 2019.
Since Pareja’s arrival, Orlando City has consistently made it to the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, a stark contrast to their previous five seasons in MLS where they failed to qualify. The team also achieved its first trophy under Pareja’s leadership, winning the 2022 U.S. Open Cup.
Prior to joining Orlando City, Pareja had successful stints as the manager of FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids. With FC Dallas, he secured the 2016 Supporters’ Shield and U.S. Open Cup double. Pareja is highly regarded as one of the best developers of young talent in MLS and has also had experience with Liga MX side Club Tijuana.
The current Orlando City squad boasts notable players such as Uruguayan international Facundo Torres, U.S. youth international Duncan McGuire, key center back Robin Jansson, and Peru international goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Most of the team is expected to return for the 2023 season, although club captain Mauricio Pereyra has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the club. Additionally, Orlando City is finalizing a deal to transfer Antonio Carlos to Fluminense, as reported by sources familiar with the negotiations.
For a more in-depth analysis of Orlando City’s offseason outlook and priorities, you can read our article “What Comes Next for Orlando City” by clicking here.
(Photo: Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)