Orlando City re-sign head coach Oscar Pareja to two-year contract
- Pareja has guided Orlando to new heights during his tenure
- He was set to leave the club being out of contract following 2023 season
- 55-year-old guided the Lions to US Open Cup glory in 2022
Orlando City have re-signed head coach Oscar Pareja to a two-year deal ahead of the 2024 Major League Soccer season.
Pareja was out of contract following the Lions' 2023 MLS Cup playoffs run, but the central Florida club have now retained their winningest coach in club history.
The 55-year-old was brought on board ahead of the 2020 campaign, with Orlando looking to clinch a postseason spot for the first time ever since becoming an MLS side in 2015 with the legendary Brazilian midfielder Kaka.
Since his appointment, Pareja has brought stability and made the Lions a consistent playoff side. He's guided Orlando to four consecutive postseason appearances, finishing in second place at the end of the 2023 regular season with 63 points and 18 wins, both setting new club records.
"Oscar has been integral to what we are building, and his leadership and dedication to winning championships has set an example for everyone at our Club," said Orlando City chairman Mark Wilf in a release.
"Oscar takes great pride in representing Orlando City SC and has established a culture that embodies everything our organization is about and a team of which our fans can be proud. The positive relationships and respect Oscar creates with his players has built a critical foundation for success. We are excited to have Oscar continue to lead us into the future."
Leading Orlando, Pareja has amassed a 70W-37D-42L record across all competitions that includes the club's first-ever trophy in 2022 when his side captured the US Open Cup over USL outfit Sacramento Republic FC.
"I first want to say how grateful I am to the Wilf family and the whole ownership group for the support that they’ve given us and allowing us to create the culture here that we have built these last few years," said Pareja.
"The support that the fans have shown us has been incredible through everything and, along with everyone working at the club, they’ve made me feel like this is home. We know that there are things left that we want to achieve here in Orlando and I feel like we can accomplish those objectives. I’m excited to stay here in Orlando and for what’s to come," he added.
The Lions scored the sixth-most goals in MLS in 2023 with 55 while also keeping things in check at the back, conceding only 39 goals, the fourth-least in the league. Pareja rejoining the Eastern Conference side was key to their aspirations in 2024 and beyond, but there will be heightened expectations to bring home more silverware after falling short in the postseason in years past.