Orlando City Secures Kyle Smith’s Services Through 2025: A Key Signing for the Lions

In an announcement that will delight Orlando City fans, the club has re-signed veteran defender Kyle Smith to a one-year contract, ensuring that El Soldado will continue his journey with the Lions into the 2025 MLS season. After a brief period of free agency following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the 32-year-old’s return to the fold is a major boost for a team looking to build on recent successes and strengthen its depth for the upcoming year.

A Key Player in Orlando’s Success

Kyle Smith’s value to Orlando City cannot be overstated. As the Lions gear up for another campaign in Major League Soccer, bringing back Smith is a crucial step for the team’s plans, according to Orlando City’s Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Luiz Muzzi. In the official club release, Muzzi said, “Bringing Kyle back to Orlando for 2025 is a great step in our project for next season. He’s been such a vital piece of our successes over the last few seasons with his versatility and work rate both on and off the field. He’s a player that we know we can always depend on, and we’re excited to have him back with us next year.”

Indeed, Smith’s versatility and work ethic have been key pillars in his long tenure with Orlando City. Whether as a fullback, midfielder, or even occasionally filling in at center back, Smith’s ability to seamlessly transition between roles has made him an invaluable asset. His commitment to giving 100% in every match, regardless of the position or situation, has earned him the respect of both his teammates and coaches alike.

From USL to MLS Stalwart

When Smith first signed with Orlando City in December 2018, few could have predicted the long-term impact he would have on the club. The Cincinnati native came to the Lions after three seasons with Louisville City in the USL, where he had already built a reputation as a reliable and industrious player. His familiarity with then-coach James O’Connor, who had coached him in Louisville, helped make the transition smoother.

Over the course of six seasons with Orlando City, Smith has solidified himself as one of the club’s most dependable figures. With 180 total appearances across all competitions and 105 starts, he ranks second on the team’s all-time appearance list, trailing only Robin Jansson. His tally includes five goals and nine assists—contributions that go beyond his primary role as a defensive presence. Smith has also played a key role in some of the club’s most significant achievements, including Orlando City’s historic U.S. Open Cup win in 2022. His leadership and consistency were vital in helping the team secure its first major trophy since joining MLS.

A Dependable, Versatile Contributor

In 2024, Smith’s role with Orlando was slightly different from previous years, as he spent much of the season as a left-back after having previously been more often deployed on the right side of the defense. While he didn’t score a regular-season goal—a first since 2020—he did register three assists, matching his career-high mark in that category. Additionally, Smith scored his only goal of the year in Orlando City’s 3-1 victory over Cavalry FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup in late February.

Across all competitions in 2024, Smith made 40 appearances, including 18 starts, providing invaluable depth as Orlando City navigated a packed schedule. His versatility allowed head coach Óscar Pareja to rely on him at various positions, and Smith’s ability to perform consistently, even when asked to step into new roles, made him one of the club’s unsung heroes.

A Smart Move for Orlando City

While Smith will turn 33 in January, his experience and tactical awareness remain assets that will continue to benefit Orlando City in 2025. Though he may not always be able to match the speed of the league’s most dangerous wingers, his positioning and understanding of the game allow him to remain a reliable presence on the field. Moreover, his relatively modest salary of $290,000 in 2024—making him the lowest-paid non-Homegrown player on Orlando’s back line—has made him a cost-effective piece in the club’s roster construction.

With injuries, fixture congestion, and the demands of a busy season ahead, Smith’s role will likely remain that of a depth player who can step in as needed. Whether filling in at fullback or coming off the bench in the latter stages of matches to see out a victory, Smith’s familiarity with Pareja’s system, his leadership, and his unwavering work ethic ensure he will remain a key figure for Orlando City.

A Positive for the Team’s Culture

Beyond the on-field contributions, Smith embodies the type of player who fits perfectly into the team culture Orlando City is building under Pareja. Known for his professionalism, humility, and dedication, Smith is a player who leads by example both on and off the field. His commitment to the club and his teammates is a testament to the winning mentality Orlando City is trying to instill as they look to compete for more trophies in 2025.

As Orlando City continues to work toward its goal of MLS Cup contention, re-signing Kyle Smith is a wise move that strengthens the squad’s depth and provides a steadying influence in the locker room. His return for the 2025 season is a reminder of the importance of having players who may not always get the headlines but who contribute in invaluable ways to the team’s overall success.

For fans who’ve grown accustomed to Smith’s tireless performances over the years, the announcement that El Soldado will wear the Lions’ colors for at least one more season is nothing short of excellent news.