March 12, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Orlando City B News Release
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City B has signed Orlando City Academy and defender Zakaria Taifi to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025, it was announced today, becoming yet another player to move up through the Club’s development pathway.
“Taifi is a player that grew up in our Academy system and someone that truly loves this Club,” said Orlando City SC VP of Soccer Operations Ricardo Moreira. “He had to step up at an early age and has shown himself to be a leader, helping push the Academy’s U17 team to the MLS NEXT Cup final in 2021 and ultimately winning the championship. We’ve seen his character and work ethic in training every day, continuing to devote time to his own development and that of his teammates, and we’re excited to see him continue that and build on his bright future with this Club.”
A product of the Orlando City Academy, Taifi featured 23 times for Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro as an Academy player last season, providing one assist in the 2023 campaign that saw OCB qualify for its first ever MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
Taifi, 18, was a key piece of Orlando City Academy’s U17 MLS NEXT Cup championship team in 2021, with the defender joining the Lions’ academy in 2015.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City B signs Orlando City Academy product and defender Zakaria Taifi to a two-year MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2025.
Zakaria Taifi (za-ka-REE-ah tah-EE-fee)
Number: 96
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Born: October 1, 2005, in Orlando, Fla.
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Citizenship: USA
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