ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 20, 2024) – Orlando City SC has signed goalkeeper Carlos Mercado to a First Team contract through 2024, with Club options in 2025, 2026 and 2027, it was announced today.
“Carlos has done a great job this year with Orlando city B and has really performed well for us,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “With Mason Stajduhar’s injury earlier this season and Carlos’ performances with OCB, the opportunity has opened up where we don’t have to look outside the Club to fill that position, and can give a young goalkeeper an opportunity to continue developing and pushing our current goalkeeping corps. Carlos has shown us that he has the talent and work ethic to deserve that opportunity this season.”
Mercado has been the primary starter for Orlando City B in the Lions’ 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, making 17 appearances to date, 67 saves and one clean sheet with a 1.53 goals against average. The Laredo, Texas, native has also helped the Lions record four wins in MLS NEXT Pro’s end-of-regulation shootouts in 2024, the third-most across the league, and has posted an 8-4-5 overall record in his 17 appearances.
“I’ve given everything to this dream, fighting day in and day out, even when the path seemed impossible. Orlando City has invested and believed in me as a player, even when I thought I had nothing left,” said Mercado. “The Club has given me a chance to prove myself and I’m ready to give everything I have in return. I want to say thank you to the Club, César Baena and Marcos Machado for their guidance this year and for this opportunity.”
The 24-year-old goalkeeper signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Orlando City B ahead of the 2024 season and was with the First Team on a short-term agreement for Orlando City SC’s match against Toronto FC on July 3. Mercado also joined the Lions’ First Team for preseason training camp in Mexico earlier this year.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs goalkeeper Carlos Mercado to a First Team contract through 2024, with Club options in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Carlos Mercado (mer-KAH-do)
Number: 99
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-3
Born: Sept. 27, 1999, in Laredo, TX
Hometown: Laredo, TX
Citizenship: USA/MEX
