A veteran of 87 Major League Soccer appearances for Orlando City SC, the Lions today confirmed that Júnior Urso has mutually terminated his contract with the club.
A fan favourite at Exploria Stadium, Urso departs Central Florida due to personal reasons that require him to return back to his native Brazil.
We have mutually agreed to part ways with Júnior Urso, who will be returning to his native Brazil for personal reasons.#ForeverALion
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 10, 2022
Statement from Júnior Urso:#ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/2lDseF5tlo
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 10, 2022
Parting words
Speaking about Júnior Urso’s exit, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said: “Júnior has meant so much to the culture and direction of this club since joining us in 2020.
“He’s someone that we all love as both a player and a person, and we’re sad to see him leave.
“Júnior will always have a home with us here in Orlando.”
Battle-ready
Few Lions wore Orlando City SC‘s crest with such passion, fight and dedication as Júnior Urso did.
A central midfielder by trade, Júnior Urso was something of a Swiss army knife during his time at Exploria Stadium.
Throughout 2022, the player affectionately nicknamed “The Bear” was utilized by Oscar Pareja at right wing and in the number 10 position too.
Vice captaining Orlando City SC on several occasions, Júnior Urso never complained about whatever role he played and always led by example.
Predominantly used to break up play, you could always count on Júnior Urso to transition well and also grab his fair share of goals.
He also departs Exploria Stadium having never received a red card for Orlando City SC despite playing in central midfield.
The statistics
Tallying 100 appearances for Orlando City SC across all competitions, 87 of these came within Major League Soccer.
Here are Júnior Urso‘s final MLS statistics.
2020 season
- 23 games played
- 20 games started
- 1,708 minutes played
- 3 goals
- 2 assists
- 33 total scoring attempts
- 13 shots on target
- 3 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
2021 season
- 30 games played
- 29 games started
- 2,493 minutes played
- 4 goals
- 1 assist
- 47 total scoring attempts
- 14 shots on target
- 7 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
2022 season
- 34 games played
- 29 games started
- 2,563 minutes played
- 5 goals
- 7 assists
- 50 total scoring attempts
- 21 shots on target
- 7 yellow cards
- 0 red cards
The celebrations
Undoubtedly a fan favourite, given his smile, personality, and work ethic, Júnior Urso was also loved for his goal celebrations.
With the word “Urso” meaning “Bear” in Portuguese, Júnior Urso‘s trademark celebration was raising his hands in bear-like fashion whenever he rippled the net.
Who could also forget Urso’s goal against Tampa Bay Rowdies in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup third round?
Donning a pair of shades in front of The Wall in celebration, this was what the fun-loving Júnior Urso was all about!
He genuinely seemed a footballer who enjoyed every single minute doing what he loves.
Simply legendary 😎 @JrUrso | #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/nITKL9FF1b
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 10, 2022
All the best
On behalf of Orlando City UK, we’d like to thank Júnior Urso for all his contributions in Orlando City SC purple over the years.
We wish him the very best of luck in whatever direction his career takes him next.
🥺🐻 𝙁𝘼𝙍𝙀𝙒𝙀𝙇𝙇 𝘽𝙀𝘼𝙍 🥺🐻
Thanks for always giving your heart and soul for the @OrlandoCitySC crest, @JrUrso. 👏🏽💜🇧🇷
I think I speak for many when I say you’ve been one of my favourite Orlando players over the years. All the best. 👍🏽#OCTwitter #OrlandoCity #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/yeAlSZ2y7e
— Orlando City UK 🏆 (@Orlando_CityUK) November 10, 2022
Orlando City SC supporters’ view
With #OCTwitter still currently reacting to news of Júnior Urso‘s departure, we gathered some of the best tweets.
For the goals, the celebrations, and all the memories we made together on and off the pitch, we say thank you. 💜
Forever our Bear. @JrUrso | #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/7XIh5MOhNp
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 10, 2022
Thank you for everything! 💜🦁 #ForeverALion https://t.co/Ba9l7AjnC1
— Jr Urso (@JrUrso) November 10, 2022
I’m told that Júnior Urso was a core component of Orlando City’s 2023 plans and the team wanted him back. This was a matter of putting the human being first.
— Evan Weston (@EvanLWeston) November 10, 2022
This guy was pure heart and a natural leader. A fan favorite for his contributions on and off the field. He will be missed . Obrigado, @JrUrso ! #ForeverALion https://t.co/BDrzndLZ7c
— Miguel Gallardo (@migallardo01) November 10, 2022
I’m going to miss this guy.
🐻 always played for the badge
Was an Ironman. Played different positions. Scored big goals and made big plays.
He was a leader on and off the pitch & really got what this club and its supporters are about.
Best of luck Urso
Forever A Lion 🦁 💜 https://t.co/kVGf1eJ7xr pic.twitter.com/YfGXIWiOpQ
— 🏆 Orlando Lions Den Podcast (@OrlandoLionsDen) November 10, 2022
Urso always brought it.
Man was clutch so many times.
Loved his swag.
He was one of the men who taught our club how to win
It’s going to be hard replacing all he brought to the table.
The forever a lion phrase gets thrown around a lot but for him it’s 💯 true
Forever A 🦁 https://t.co/LYkR03VTsq pic.twitter.com/qenSQKzPnt
— Antonio Cruz🏆 (@EddieTheCommish) November 10, 2022
Crying. I hate this part of the season. https://t.co/9Xko33imaR
— anakenn💜🦁 (@anakenn) November 10, 2022
Thank you @JrUrso for the greatest night of my @OrlandoCitySC life. You are forever a club legend! pic.twitter.com/JF0pDJIY5I
— Holiday Cheermeister 🎄 🧑🎄 (@SpearheadKyle) November 10, 2022
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
Orlando City and the 🐻 part ways. Forever a 🦁.#DaleMiAmor #OrlandoCity pic.twitter.com/yRc5wMUdpH
— The English Lion (@TheEnglishLion1) November 10, 2022
Your passion for the crest and hair styles will be missed @JrUrso! #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/ZD6c4AWAKY
— M D B (@michaeldb_) November 10, 2022
Those type of statements are pretty rare in this sport. Shows the mutual love.
Junior will be remembered fondly by this fanbase. Thank you for everything @JrUrso !
— Lionsblog (@lionsblog1) November 10, 2022
Thanks for everything, @JrUrso
I hope you come back to Orlando and visit soon. We will always welcome you.#VamosOrlando #DaleMiAmor https://t.co/U0S4EnrQGR pic.twitter.com/UcNW5IO8TV
— Logan Mi🍂er (@LoganTMiller) November 10, 2022
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