As we approach our 2025 MLS home opener against Philadelphia Union on February 22, the Orlando City SC Front Office continues to work tirelessly to strengthen the squad. After securing ready-made reinforcements in Marco Pašalić and Eduard Atuesta over the past two weeks, our latest target is reportedly young Uruguayan talent Agustín Soria.
Yesterday, journalist Guille López (@glopezferraro) tweeted that Orlando City SC have formalised an offer for the 20-year-old midfielder from Defensor Sporting, following an initial proposal that was deemed insufficient. With a $6 million release clause, Orlando City SC’s persistence signals their commitment to landing the promising youngster.
🚨Orlando City quiere llevarse a Agustín Soria
➡️La semana pasada realizó una oferta que Defensor consideró insuficiente.
➡️Hoy formalizó otra oferta que se está estudiando en el violeta.
👉El jugador tiene una cláusula de 6M@Sport890 pic.twitter.com/nsldUn0K4H— Guille López (@glopezferraro) February 10, 2025
The current mood of the fanbase
After a slow start to our off-season recruitment, a quiet sense of optimism is now building following the high-profile signings of Marco Pašalić and Eduard Atuesta.
So far in pre-season, Orlando City SC have had mixed results, starting with a thrilling 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Atlético Mineiro (0-0 A.E.T.) on January 25.
Then came a 0-0 draw with Forge FC in a closed door scrimmage, and a 1-2 loss to CF Montréal at Inter&Co Stadium during an exclusive season ticket holder event.
As for remaining gaps in our roster, there’s still a need for another central midfielder, a left-footed left back, a left-footed centre back, and possibly a striker.
After all, the inexperienced Shakur Mohammed was our starting centre forward in the CF Montréal friendly, with Ramiro Enrique, Duncan McGuire, and Luis Muriel all currently unavailable.
Orlando City SC’s 2024/25 off-season roster building
As Orlando City SC continue shaping their roster for the 2025 season, we know the club still has one open U22 Initiative slot, alongside the already filled spots for Ramiro Enrique and Nicolás Rodríguez.
Following the winter exits of Gastón González and Heine Gikling Bruseth, there remains an opportunity to add another young, high-potential player under Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative.
This open slot gives the club flexibility to bring in a young talent like Agustín Soria, further strengthening our squad for the upcoming season.
Of course, with Bruseth being taken by San Diego FC in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft, it makes sense to replace the Norwegian with a player of a similar profile.
Given that the majority of Orlando City SC’s squad is made up of South American players, it’s easy to see how Soria would fit seamlessly into both our locker room and our club culture.
Who is Agustín Soria?
Born on November 30, 2004, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Agustín Soria is a product of the Defensor Sporting youth academy.
Standing at 5 ft 9 in, he’s a right-footed player who has already carved out a solid reputation in Liga AUF Uruguaya – Uruguay’s top football division.
Making 44 appearances in his Defensor Sporting career so far, this includes 20 matches in central midfield, 16 at right back, and 8 in right midfield.
This showcases Soria’s versatility and adaptability in different tactical setups.
Soria’s rise through the ranks at Defensor Sporting is significant, given the side’s status as the third-winningest club in Uruguayan football after powerhouse clubs Peñarol and Nacional.
His ability to consistently play 90+ minutes in the league speaks volumes about his technical ability and work ethic.
Not only boasting Uruguayan Primera División experience, Agustín Soria has also recently featured in the 2025 Copa Libertadores – South America’s equivalent to the UEFA Champions League.
On February 4, 2025, Soria started in Defensor Sporting’s 2-0 loss to Monagas in the first round (leg one) of the tournament, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level in South American football.
Would Soria be the right fit for Orlando City SC?
The addition of Agustín Soria would bring much-needed depth to Orlando City SC’s midfield.
With his versatility being a key asset, the young Uruguayan could slot into the centre of the park.
He could provide a dynamic presence alongside the likes of César Araújo and Eduard Atuesta, or fill in at right back when needed.
This flexibility gives Oscar Pareja more tactical options, particularly with Orlando City SC’s ambitions in 2025, including the MLS regular season, the 2025 Leagues Cup, and a much-appreciated return to the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Being trusted to play in both Liga AUF Uruguaya and the Copa Libertadores at just 20-years-old proves that Soria can handle pressure and compete at the highest level.
Elsewhere, his performances in noteworthy 2025 Liga AUF Apertura victories against Boston River and Club Atlético River Plate (Montevideo) highlight his growth and promise.
While he is yet to represent Uruguay at any youth or senior international level, his ability to handle top-tier South American competition suggests that a call-up could potentially come in the future.
After all, in June 2024, César Araújo earned a senior call-up to Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay squad while at Orlando City SC, serving as inspiration for Soria to do the same.
If a deal for Agustín Soria goes through, he will become the sixth Uruguayan to play for Orlando City SC after José Aja, Mauricio Pereyra, César Araújo, Facundo Torres, and Nicolás Lodeiro.
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