ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City announced today the signing of 17-year old Central Florida native Nicolas Russo to the Orlando City U-23s, the club’s Premier Development League squad, pending USSF approval.  Russo has spent the last three years in Argentina as part of legendary club Boca Juniors’ youth system.

“We are excited about having Nicolas,” Joe Avallone, head coach of the Orlando City U23s, said. “He’s a young kid, but is without a doubt a pro prospect.”

Although only 17, Russo is a seasoned veteran.  He began his career at 12 with Argentine club CD Platense, spending his summers training with the second-division side.  A year later, Russo was offered a place in the famed Boca Juniors system in Argentina, the same club that produced the legendary Diego Maradona.

“I really liked the idea of coming home and playing for Orlando City,” said Russo. “It is a great opportunity.  After playing in Argentina for the past couple of years, I want to bring that experience back to Orlando,.”

Russo is also on the radar of the US National Team system.  In 2009, Russo received an invite to the Under 17 National Team camp ahead of the 2009 U-17 World Cup.  Illness and a foot injury prevented him from fully participating.

Russo got a taste of the PDL last season with the Central Florida Kraze.  After a summer training stint, Russo saw a few minutes on the field and made an immediate impact.  In just 22 minutes over the course of three matches, Russo scored a goal and registered an assist.  Russo also trained with the Orlando City pro side over the summer, impressing Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.

“He did smashing,” said Heath.  “He did did probably four or five sessions and did really well.  He’s obviously got good touch, good technique and is a good crosser of the ball.  The good thing for Nick was that, at 16, he was playing and training with grown men and was not out of his depth.”

Transaction:
Orlando City U-23s (PDL) signs midfielder Nicolas Russo

Nicolas Russo
Position:  Midfielder
Height:    5’10”
Weight:    168
Born:      11/8/1994
Hometown:  Orlando, FL
Last Club: Boca Juniors youth system (Argentina)