Alexandre Pato will play at least one more year with the Lions.
Orlando City announced Saturday it re-signed the Brazilian forward to a one-year contract ahead of the 2022 MLS regular season.
“Pato’s ability is proven and we know the untapped potential in what he can bring to our team,” Orlando general manager Luiz Muzzi said. “He’s been working hard to return to top form and we’re looking forward to him having an impactful year for the club. We’re excited for him to return and play an important role both on the field and in the locker room this season.”
Pato, 32, originally signed a one-year deal for the 2021 season. But during the season opener against Atlanta United on April 17, the forward injured his knee in the 80th minute. It eventually required surgery and sidelined Pato for most of that campaign.
Pato returned to action with the Lions towards the latter part of the season, making four appearances, including playing the final 10 minutes of Orlando’s 3-1 first-round playoff loss to Nashville SC on Nov. 23.
Pato’s contract expired, but he was offered a new deal shortly after the season. He officially signed this deal, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Orlando Sentinel, earlier in the week.
What does this mean for the Lions?
Pato returning to play for Orlando give the team another option at forward for coach Oscar Pareja.
For Pato, it’s also a chance to redeem himself after never making an impact last year because of his injury.
Much remains unclear if Orlando will continue to look for a starting striker after selling Daryl Dike earlier this month.
Pareja and Muzzi confirmed earlier this week that the team is actively looking to sign more players ahead of Feb. 27’s regular-season opener against CF Montreal at Exploria Stadium.
“We got a lot of things going on, on different fronts right now with different players,” Muzzi told the Sentinel on Thursday. “Everything that is out there is just what’s out there because people like to talk and things that hadn’t happened I can’t really comment – but we’re talking to a lot of different players and agents at this point, so hopefully we’re going to have things to announce soon.”
Preseason schedule
The Lions will officially start preseason training on Tuesday, the club announced on Saturday. They also announced a full slate of scrimmages.
On Sunday, Jan. 23, Orlando will hold its first preseason scrimmage against an MLS team, which will be announced at a later date.
The Lions will play two more scrimmages in a span of three days, against Minnesota United on Feb. 3 and vs. FC Dallas on Feb. 5.
On Feb. 11, Orlando will play the Colorado Rapid and will compete against USL Championship club Miami FC on Feb. 16 before taking on FC Cincinnati two days later.
The Lions will cap their friendly matches on Feb. 19 against I-4 Derby rival and USL side Tampa Bay Rowdies.
All preseason scrimmages will be played behind closed doors.
Orlando City’s roster
Goalkeeper (3): Pedro Gallese, Mason Stajduhar (HG), Adam Grinwis
Defenders (8): Kyle Smith, Ruan, Joao Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Michael Halliday (HG), Thomas Williams (HG),
Midfielders (7): Jhegson Sebastián Méndez, Andrés Perea, Júnior Urso, Joey DeZart, Wilfredo Rivera (HG), Mauricio Pereyra (DP), César Araújo (Young Money).
Forwards (5): Tesho Akindele, Benji Michel (HG), Alexander Alvarado, Silvester van der Water, Alexandre Pato
