March 2, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; during a soccer match at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters – Orlando Soccer Journal

Two more players are returning to Orlando City‘s roster in 2020 after the club announced on Wednesday that defender Alex De John and goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar have signed new one-year contracts, with additional option years for both players.

“We are very happy to have Alex back with the Club in 2020,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi in a club release. “His experience abroad and in the U.S. makes him a valuable member of our roster and adds needed depth to our backline. We look forward to having his presence back within the team for this year.”

De John joined Orlando early last year and made six appearances throughout the 2019 MLS campaign.

Stajduhar, meanwhile, saw his first full season of professional soccer since signing a Homegrown Player contract with the Lions in December of 2015. Returning after a successful battle with cancer, Stajduhar spent the 2019 season on loan with the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks, starting seven games, making 48 saves and conceding 36 goals on 84 shots. Stajduhar will be 22 at the start of the preseason in January and could see himself in contention for backup minutes with Orlando City next season as the only other goalkeeper on roster, next to Brian Rowe.

“We are thrilled to have Mason continue with the Club after he had a strong season on loan last year,” Muzzi said. “Investing in and developing our Homegrown players is extremely important to us and Mason exemplifies the pathway we have worked to establish from our Academy to the First Team. We look forward to seeing him grow and contribute to the team even more in the coming year.”

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