Duncan McGuire rejects latest contract offer from Orlando City
Duncan McGuire has turned down a new contract offer from Orlando City, WESH 2 News has learned. The Athletic was the first to report the news.
The forward met with club leadership over the weekend to discuss a new contract, which was eventually turned down, a source with knowledge of the discussions told WESH. McGuire's camp initially declined Orlando City's offer last week, saying the offer was not in line with market standards, the source added.
"Orlando City and Duncan McGuire are continuing to have discussions regarding the forward's future with the club," Orlando City told WESH in a statement. "McGuire is currently under contract with club options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and we look forward to his continued impact on the field."
McGuire, 23, joined Orlando from Creighton University as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Since then, he has scored 20 goals in 46 appearances for the Lions, attracting interest from clubs in England, Germany, and the Netherlands, WESH has learned.
McGuire was called up earlier this year to the United States U-23 national team and the pre-Olympic team camp last month. He is likely to be named to the official U.S. Olympic soccer team for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Peruvians are back
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and midfielder Wilder Cartagena returned to the Orlando City training grounds on Monday morning ahead of Wednesday's road game at Toronto FC. The duo had been with the Peruvian national team for the Copa America tournament, but Peru failed to advance past the group stage following a 2-0 defeat to Argentina last Saturday.
Enrique returns
Ramiro Enrique, who missed four of Orlando's last five regular-season games, was present during Monday's training session. According to coach Oscar Pareja, Enrique was awaiting his green card, which has now arrived. This means an international slot will free up for Orlando.
Petrasso back in the fold
Fullback Luca Petrasso has returned from his loan in Italy. Petrasso spent the second half of the 2023-24 European season with Italian club Triestina. According to a club spokesperson, Petrasso will have to wait until the MLS summer transfer window opens on July 18 to be officially added back to the roster.