Orlando City sign Michael Halliday to new contract
Local product Michael Halliday, a right back, has signed a new deal with Orlando City SC that runs through 2025 with options for 2026 and 2027, the team announced on Tuesday.
After inking his first homegrown contract in the middle of 2020, Halliday, 20, is about to embark on his fourth season in the league. The product of Apopka, Florida, had his greatest season to date in 2023, registering two assists in 18 games during the regular season (nine starts).
Internationally, Halliday played a key role for the United States at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina last year, making four appearances in the Yanks’ quarterfinal run.
Orlando General Manager and EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi stated in a release that “we’ve seen a lot of progress from Mickey since he first signed for the first team and completed the pathway from the academy.” “We’re excited to see how he develops even further in the coming years. He played well in some key games both domestically and internationally, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Concacaf Champions League last year.”
Under head coach Oscar Pareja, Halliday has become a more reliable player. He partners Icelandic international Dagur Thórhallsson at right back.
To begin the 2018 MLS season, Orlando will play CF Montréal on February 24 (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), looking to improve on their second-place Eastern Conference performance from 2023. Prior to that, on February 21, the Lions will play Cavalry FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup in Canada.
