ORLANDO, Fla. (March 15, 2024) – Orlando City B has signed 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection Yutaro Tsukada to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2024, it was announced today.
“Yutaro is someone that we’re really excited to have join Orlando City B this year as the coaching staff and scouting teams were following intensely throughout his college career. He has the flair and speed that fit the model we’ve built here,” said Orlando City SC VP of Soccer Operations Ricardo Moreira. “After spending preseason with the First Team and showing what he could do in preseason camp in Mexico, we believe that his skills can be even further developed with a year at OCB and put himself in a good position to take the next step with the First Team, as both teams work side-by-side with the same philosophy.”
The Lions selected Tsukada with the 25th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The Tokyo, Japan native played his junior and senior years at West Virginia University. In his two seasons with the Mountaineers, he appeared in 40 games, scored 13 goals, and recorded 14 assists.
In 2023, Tsukada tied for the team lead and was 16th in the nation with 12 goals. Six of his 12 goals were game-winners, which was third-best in the country. He led the team that same season with nine assists, which helped him earn United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team and All-Southeast Region First Team honors. Prior to playing at West Virginia, Tsukada played two seasons at Daytona State College.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City B signs MLS SuperDraft selection Yutaro Tsukada to a one-year MLS NEXT Pro contract.
Yutaro Tsukada (yoo-TAH-ro soo-KAH-dah)
Number: 34
Position: Forward
Height: 5-11
Born: July 28, 2001, in Tokyo, Japan
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Citizenship: JPN
