Photo: Courtesy of NC State Athletics

Orlando City signed former Development Academy product David Loera to a multi-year homegrown contract ahead of the 2020 MLS season, the club announced on Monday.

“It is imperative for us to continue to grow the talent here in Central Florida and to work toward creating a pathway from our Development Academy to the First Team,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “David is an example of just that. He possesses great vision and control on the ball and we are very excited about his addition to our roster.”

Loera joins the Lions after playing college soccer at North Carolina State where he recorded 9 goals and 15 assists in 57 appearances from 2017-2019 for the Wolfpack.

The midfielder was part of Orlando City’s Development Academy from 2012-2017 and played some games with USL side Orlando City B in 2016-2017.

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Loera holds citizenship for both the United States and Spain and in 2016, Loera was called up to the United States U-19 men’s national team.

Loera, 21, becomes the sixth homegrown player in Orlando City’s history, joining the likes of Tommy Redding, Tyler Turner, Harrison Heath, Mason Stajduhar and Benji Michel — most recently.

Current Orlando City roster 

Goalkeeper (2): Brian Rowe, Mason Stajduhar.

Defenders (6): Kyle Smith, Ruan, João Moutinho, Kamal Miller, Alex De John, Robin Jansson.

Midfielders (6): Oriol Rosell, Jhegson Sebastián Méndez, Robinho, Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea, David Loera.

Forwards (6): Dom Dwyer, Nani, Chris Mueller, Tesho Akindele, Santiago Patiño, Benji Michel.

Out on Loan: Josué Colmán at Cerro Porteño (Primera Division, Paraguay). 

For more soccer news, follow the Soccer Journal on Twitter: @osjsoccer