FRISCO, Texas (November 3, 2023) – North Texas SC has acquired midfielder Leonardo Orejarena from Barça Residency Academy USA to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2025 season with a club option for the 2026 season. FC Dallas acquired Orejarena’s MLS Homegrown Priority from the Chicago Fire FC in exchange for $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2024, with potential for anadditional $300,000 in General Allocation Money should Orejarena meet certain performance-based incentives in MLS. Chicago will also receive a sell-on percentage if Orejarena is transferred outside of MLS.
Orejarena, 15, joined the Chicago Fire FC Academy as an 11-year-old and played for the Fire Academy from 2019-22. He participated in the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup at Toyota Soccer Center where he helped lead the club to a quarterfinal finish. In the Round of 16 match played against Breakers SC, Orejarena scored a overhead goal that was named 2022 MLS NEXT Cup Goal of the Tournament.
He joined the Barça Residency Academy USA program located in Casa Grande, Arizona for the 2022-23 seasons. During his time with the Blaugrana’s he earned a selection to play in the 2022 MLS NEXT Fest featuring the best U-15/16 players. Orejarena registered 40 appearances, netting 20 goals and 15 assists for Barça during his two seasons.
“Leo is a highly skilled and dynamic player who is eager to make a significant contribution to our club,” said North Texas SC General Manager Matt Denny. “We are dedicated to recruiting and developing young talented players and Leo’s signing exemplifies this commitment. We are putting an exciting and competitive roster for the upcoming season.”
Orejarena earned his first international call-up to the U.S. U-16 National Team camp held in Chula Vista, California on August 18, 2022. He earned a second call-up to the U.S. U-17 National Teamfor a training camp in 2023.
TRANSACTION DETAILS
Full Name: Leonardo Orejarena
Preferred Name: Leo Orejarena
Pronunciation: oh-reh-HA-reh-nah
Connect with Leonardo: Instagram
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: November 10, 2007 (15)
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Nationality: American, Colombian and Polish
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 140 lbs.
Last Club: Barça Residency Academy USA
Transaction: North Texas SC signs midfielder Leonardo Orejarena to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract through the 2025 season with club option for 2026.
