ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2024) – Orlando City SC has loaned forward Duncan McGuire to Blackburn Rovers of the English Football League Championship on a six-month loan with an option to buy, it was announced today.
“It has always been very important for our Club to find and provide the best opportunities for players to continue making strides in their career, and this situation with Duncan was no different,” Orlando City SC EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said. “Duncan is a player who, from the time we drafted him until now, grew quickly over the course of the year. We’re happy to have found an opportunity for him to play in England, an ask he made of the Club to accomplish a personal goal of his. We’re looking forward to him making the most of his time with Blackburn and will be cheering for him from afar.”
“I am really excited about the opportunity to test myself abroad. I know I would not have this opportunity without the support of my teammates, my coaches and the front office at Orlando City,” McGuire said. “Just 12 months ago, I was leaving college soccer hoping to make my way, and I believe I have made the most of the opportunities that were presented to me in this time. Thank you again to my family, my teammates and all the Orlando City fans and staff. My goal is to go to England and show everyone what I am capable of!”
McGuire, 22, made 24 starts in 36 appearances for the Lions across all competitions in his rookie campaign, scoring 15 total goals and providing an additional three assists. Four of the Omaha, Nebraska native’s tallies counted as MLS game-winners, with the first goal of his professional career coming on March 11, 2023, against D.C. United in a match that also served as his professional debut.
McGuire was originally selected by the Lions as the sixth overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft following a senior season at Creighton University that saw him win the 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy after a nation-leading 23 goals in NCAA play.
TRANSACTION:Orlando City SC loans forward Duncan McGuire to Blackburn Rovers of the English Football League Championship on a six-month loan with an option to buy.
