Photo: Mark Thor / Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC has extended the contracts of current Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi and current Assistant General Manager Ricardo Moreira, it was announced today. Additionally, Muzzi has also been named the Club’s general manager, while Moreira has been named as the Club’s technical director.
“I’m pleased and grateful to have the opportunity to work with both Luiz and Ricardo. Their work ethic and commitment to the Club has been strong from our first meeting, and we’re happy to have their expertise in player evaluation and roster development,” Club Chairman Mark Wilf said. “We look forward to their continued efforts to build a winning culture at Orlando City, and we appreciate their leadership in acquiring and fostering the right players here at the Club.”
Coming off the most successful season in franchise history, culminated by a second-consecutive berth in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, the pair are responsible for building a roster that has set records on both sides of the ball in the last two years.
“I’m very happy that we are able to provide continuity to this project that we began three years ago, and I am thankful to the Wilf family for putting their trust and confidence behind our vision,” Muzzi said. “I love working for this Club, alongside the other great professionals in the organization, to represent our incredible community. While I’m proud of the progress we’ve made since joining Orlando City, we will work harder than ever to bring trophies to the Club and to our fans.”
“First, I would like to thank the Club for continuing to believe in me and for providing the tools so I can continue to grow within this amazing organization,” Moreira said. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank the Wilf family for trusting me to help this Club achieve its on-field goals. The commitment to our project goes both ways and I am eager as ever to continue working with Luiz, Oscar and the front office to reward our fans and community with the championships they deserve.”
Following a 2020 season that saw the Club set new records for goals scored per game (1.74), goals conceded (1.09) and its first postseason berth in franchise history, the Lions built off that success this past year, setting new records for points in a single-season (51), wins (13), clean sheets (9) and home wins (8).
Since joining Orlando City ahead of the 2019 season, Muzzi and Moreira have brought a host of the Club’s highly-touted players to The City Beautiful, including Peruvian National Team goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, center back duo Robin Jansson and Antonio Carlos, midfielder Júnior Urso and forward Silvester van der Water, while drafting recently-transferred USMNT forward Daryl Dike.