ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2021) - Ahead of the 2022 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, Orlando City SC has inked defender Ruan (WHO-ahn) to a new two-year contract with an option for a third year, it was announced today.
Ruan, 26, finished the 2021 campaign with 24 appearances for the Lions, featuring in the starting lineup 21 times as part of a City defense that set a Club-record with nine shutouts this past season. On the other side of the ball, he scored his first goals for the Club with two finishes on the year and four assists to add.
“We are very happy to have Ruan continue as a member of our Club,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. “In his time here, Ruan has continued to solidify his importance amongst our roster and showcased his abilities both on the defense and in the attack. We are excited to see all that he will accomplish as he continues to grow with us.”
The Brazilian defender joined the Lions on loan ahead of the 2019 MLS campaign following two seasons in Brazil’s Série B. Since then, the defender has appeared in 80 matches with 72 starts, scoring a pair of goals and adding 13 assists. In addition, he has earned MLS Team of the Week honors four times while being named to the MLS is Back Tournament Best XI in 2020.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs defender Ruan to a new two-year contract with an option for a third year.
