ORLANDO, Fla. – November 9, 2015 – Orlando City SC signed goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar to a Major League Soccer (MLS) Homegrown Player contract the Club announced today, promoting the 18-year-old from its U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program.
The Central Florida native is the fourth MLS Homegrown player in the Club's history. Per Club and league rules, additional details were not disclosed.
"This is a great moment for our Club and for Mason, who has continued to improve his skills and confidence as a goalkeeper," said General Manager Paul McDonough. "We place a great deal of energy and resources into developing young players like him, who can be a part of our monumental growth and share in our successes both on and off the field. We are confident in his ability to step up and learn from his teammates. Also, special thanks to our Academy coaching staff for their efforts in preparing Mason for the next level."
The young goalkeeper is one of the most promising rising talents in the country for his age, ranking fourth overall in the United States at his position, according to TopDrawerSoccer.com.
Stajduhar's progression to Orlando City's first team showcases the Club's developmental pyramid, as the young Lion was a staple figure for City's U-16, U-18 and U-23 Academy teams over the past two seasons, resulting in a call-up to train regularly with the professional side during Orlando's inaugural MLS campaign.
Stajduhar's honors include being named to the U-18 USSDA Best XI team by U.S. Soccer for the 2015 campaign.
At the national team level, Stajduhar has featured for the United States' youth teams on a consistent basis, most recently representing the U.S. U-18 and U-20 Men's National Teams. Earlier this month, Stajduhar joined the U-20 USMNT for an international tournament in Germany.
Transaction: Orlando City signs goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar to MLS Homegrown Contract
Name: Mason Stajduhar
Date of Birth: 12/02/1997
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birthplace: Salem, Massachusetts
Citizenship: United States of America
