Three months ago, Orlando native and Orlando City academy product Santiago Patiño’s MLS destination was a mystery. Days before the 2019 MLS SuperDraft his hometown club had been fighting to sign him as a homegrown player. Now, the Freedom High School graduate was available for selection to every MLS team.
Just three selections into the draft Patiño’s short wait was over. Orlando had protected one of their own.
“We need to make sure those guys stay. That they are proud to be Orlando homegrowns and they want to play for the team,” said EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi following the pick.