Orlando City SC added to its defensive depth with an acquisition from its United Soccer League affiliate. On Friday, the club announced it acquired defender Léo Pereira on a season-long loan from Orlando City B. Per the club’s press release, Pereira was previously on loan from City’s official Brazilian partner Clube Atlético Paranaense.
“We were very impressed with what we saw from Léo when we scouted him in Brazil and what he’s shown us in his time in Orlando,” City general manager Niki Budalic said, per the press release. “Léo is a promising defender with good size and a high soccer IQ. We’re excited to have him move up to the [Major League Soccer] roster.
“This is a great example of the things we can accomplish with our partnership with Atlético Paranaense.”
This is the fourth player that has moved from OCB to the club’s MLS side. Before Pereira, Mikey Ambrose, Tony Rocha and Pierrea da Silva all made the move. Ambrose is currently with Atlanta United FC, Rocha is recovering from an injury with the first team, and da Silva is currently on a season-long loan from City’s MLS side with OCB.
So far this season, Pereira has made three appearances for an Orlando side. He made his City debut on March 30 with OCB against Louisville City FC.
In international play, Pereira has played with the Brazilian U-20 men’s national team. At the 2015 U-20 South American Championship, he scored a goal in three matches.
