Ahead of its 2021 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Orlando City SC has inked defender Robin Jansson to a new contract, signing the Swede to a two-year deal with options in 2023 and 2024, it was announced today.
Jansson, 29, signed for the Lions in their 2019 season, joining from AIK in Sweden’s top tier.
“Robin is committed to what we are building here at Orlando City, so we are very excited to come to terms on a new deal and secure his place on our roster for future seasons,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “Having a solid defensive base helped lead us to success last season, and maintaining consistency and stability across our backline was a focus of ours this offseason. Robin has proven to be one of the most formidable defenders in Major League Soccer, and we are happy that this Club has been and will continue to be the place his talents are showcased.”
In his first two seasons in Orlando, Jansson started in all 50 of his regular-season appearances for City, logging 4,401 minutes on the Lions’ backline and starting in both of the Club’s games in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. During the 2020 regular season, the Lions went a Club-best 11-4-8, earning 41 points and holding a +15 goal differential in the 2020 MLS Regular Season.
The Bengtsfors, Sweden native led the Lions in 2020 in total passes (1,054) and total successful passes (938). Jansson made 104 clearances and 39 headed clearances in 2020, trailing only center-back partner Antonio Carlos in each category. His stout defensive play was emphasized by being the only City player to start and play all 90 minutes in each of the Club’s four regular-season clean sheets.
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