Orlando City SC has bolstered its roster by signing 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection Yutaro Tsukada to a First Team contract through 2025, with club options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the 22-year-old winger, who has demonstrated exceptional potential both on and off the field.
Tsukada, who was selected with the No. 25 overall pick in the SuperDraft, has impressed the club with his performance during his time with Orlando City B. In 12 starts, he has scored four goals and provided four assists, including a standout performance where he scored a brace in a 3-1 victory over New York Red Bulls II on May 8.
“Yutaro has shown us a lot so far this year, both on the field and off, during his time with Orlando City B and has proven the importance of our development pathway,” said Luiz Muzzi, Orlando City SC’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager. “He has demonstrated his ability to impact games with his speed and flair but has also shown his abilities to improve the team as a whole with hard work and effort off the ball. We look forward to him continuing his development with the First Team and are excited to see him level his game up even more.”
Tsukada’s journey to the First Team began with his participation in the club’s preseason training camp in Mexico, followed by a contract with Orlando City B in March. His impressive performances led to several short-term call-ups to the First Team, culminating in his MLS debut against Inter Miami CF on May 15.
“I am extremely honored to become a part of the First Team. I would like to thank the club and all of the fans for the amazing support that I have received since being drafted here to Orlando,” Tsukada stated. “I’m excited to continue the hard work and competing for this club.”
A native of Tokyo, Japan, Tsukada played his junior and senior years at West Virginia University, where he made a significant impact. In two seasons with the Mountaineers, he appeared in 40 games, scoring 13 goals and recording 14 assists. In 2023, he tied for the team lead with 12 goals, ranking 16th in the nation, and was noted for his game-winning ability, with six of his goals coming in decisive moments. His performance earned him United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team and All-Southeast Region First Team honors.
Before his time at West Virginia, Tsukada played two seasons at Daytona State College, further showcasing his development and potential.
With Tsukada now officially a part of the First Team, Orlando City SC is poised to benefit from his dynamic playmaking abilities and continued growth. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this young talent evolves in the coming seasons.
