Orlando City signs Ruan to a two-year contract
Orlando City has exercised its option to acquire defender Ruan, who has signed a two-year contract with the Lions that includes an option for a third year.
Brazil’s Clube Atlético da Barra da Tijuca signed Ruan in 2017. He was later loaned to Associação Atlética Ponte Preta and Boa Esporte Clube before joining Orlando City on loan in 2019. Now his rights have been fully transferred to the Lions.
“We are very happy to have Ruan continue as a part of our Club,” Orlando City executive vice president of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi said in a news release announcing the transaction. “Ruan showed last season that he is an important piece on our roster, with the ability to both defend on the outside but also contribute on the offensive end through his pace and skill. We look forward to seeing what he can do in 2020.”
Ruan, a 24-year-old known for his remarkable speed, made 23 starts and 25 overall appearances for the Lions during the 2019 season. He provided a spark for a dramatically improved defense and finished second on the team behind Nani with five assists.
OCB coaching update
Marcelo Neveleff is expected to be named the new head coach of Orlando City B entering the 2020 USL League One season, multiple sources confirmed to Pro Soccer USA.
Neveleff, who was hired in May as Orlando City’s academy director, previously worked as an assistant coach with the New England Revolution.
The Argentina native also has a USSF A coaching license.
It’s unclear whether Neveleff will remain as the club’s academy director while at the same time managing OCB. Neveleff is not coaching a development academy team this season, which runs from September 2019 to July 2020.
Javier Carrillo, who is also the academy’s director of coaching, could oversee the DA while Neveleff manages the USL team, according to club sources.
OCB head coach Fernando Jose de Argila Irurita was fired in July after the team posted a 3-12-5 record going into final eight games of the 2019 season.
Academy coach Roberto Sibaja, who took over OCB coaching duties on an interim basis shortly after, is currently coaching the U-18/U-19 team.