Orlando City SC
Orlando City fans have every reason to cheer as goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Wilder Cartagena gear up for a crucial campaign with Peru in the upcoming CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024. The dynamic duo has earned their spots on Peru’s final roster, marking a significant achievement as they prepare to represent La Bicolor on the continental stage.
Pedro Gallese, a stalwart between the posts for both Orlando City and Peru, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad. With an impressive 106 appearances and 40 career shutouts for his national team, Gallese has been a cornerstone in Peru’s recent footballing successes. His commanding presence and knack for crucial saves have solidified his status as one of Peru’s key players, especially evident in his 23 Copa América outings where he has kept a clean sheet on 10 occasions.
Gallese’s contributions to Orlando City since his arrival in 2020 have been nothing short of remarkable. Holding multiple club records including most appearances (118) and clean sheets (32), Gallese’s impact extends well beyond shot-stopping. His experience and success at the club level make him a natural choice to captain Peru in this year’s tournament, where he will look to lead by example on the grand stage.
Wilder Cartagena, hailing from Lima, Peru, has also been instrumental in Orlando City’s midfield since his loan arrival in 2022, securing a permanent spot with the Lions ahead of the 2024 season. With 33 international caps to his name, including four in Copa América matches, Cartagena’s versatility and tenacity in midfield provide Peru with crucial stability and distribution. His ability to transition seamlessly between defensive duties and initiating attacks has been a key asset for both club and country.
Peru, historically a force in South American football, boasts two Copa América titles, with their most recent triumph dating back to 1975. In the 2021 edition, La Bicolor showcased their resilience, reaching the semifinals before a narrow defeat to eventual champions Brazil. This year, under the leadership of Gallese and bolstered by Cartagena’s midfield prowess, Peru aims to replicate and exceed past achievements, starting with a challenging Group A lineup.
The journey begins on Friday, June 21, with a highly anticipated clash against Chile, followed by encounters against Canada on June 25 and Argentina on June 29. Fans can catch all the action live on FS1, as Peru seeks to navigate through a competitive group and stake their claim in the quest for Copa América glory.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the spotlight shines brightly on Gallese, Cartagena, and their Peruvian teammates, as they embark on a quest to etch their names into footballing history once more. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of skill, determination, and national pride at the CONMEBOL Copa América USA 2024.
