ORLANDO, Fla. (March 8, 2017) - Ahead of its second United Soccer League (USL) season, Orlando City B adds innovative midfielder Ryley Kraft.
“Ryley is a young central midfielder with good potential. He was brought to our attention after the last U.S. U-19 training camp and after doing our due diligence, we feel he will be a good addition to our group,” OCB head coach Anthony Pulis said. “He is technically sound, sees a pass and gets about the field well. He is only 18 so we will have to be patient and give him time to settle and adjust but we're excited to work with him.”
Kraft signs his first professional contract just over one month after earning his first call-up to a U.S. youth national team. The Roseville, Calif., native was called up to the U.S. U-19 national team 22-player training camp on Feb. 3.
The 18-year-old enjoyed two successful seasons at Sacramento Republic FC U-17/18 Pro Academy. In the 2016-17 season, Kraft scored six goals in 17 appearances, 13 of them starts. In 2015-16. In 2015-16, Kraft scored six goals in 20 starts among 29 appearances.
OCB begins its second USL season on Saturday, March 25, against expansion side Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Lions will play their first home game at Orlando City Stadium on Thursday, March 30, against Louisville City FC. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City B signs midfielder Ryley Kraft.
Name: Ryley Kraft
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Birth Date: Jan. 13, 1998
Birthplace: Roseville, Calif.
Citizenship: USA
