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Benji Michel Signs MLS Homegrown Contract With Orlando City SC

By USL League Two Staff, 01/02/19, 11:42AM EST

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Former Portland Timbers U23 forward scored five goals during 2018 League Two season


Courtesy of Portland Athletics

TAMPA, Fla. - Former USL League Two striker Benji Michel signed an MLS Homegrown contract with Orlando City SC on Monday, making the University of Portland player the club's fifth-ever Homegrown signing.

Michel joins the MLS side after spending three seasons with USL League Two side Portland Timbers U23, while also developing in Orlando City's academy system.

The 21-year-old recently concluded a three-year collegiate career at Portland in 2018 after scoring 31 goals. Michel was named a United Soccer Coaches second-team All-American this year following an 11-goal campaign for the Pilots.

"We are very excited with the addition of Benji. Central Florida is one of the top areas in the country in talent, and we as a Club need to focus on grooming players like him to make sure they have a pathway in their professional careers," said Orlando City SC EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. "Benji is an exciting player; we could not be any happier to have him come back home."

During the 2018 League Two season, Michel tallied five goals in four matches for Timbers U23, who compete in the Northwest Division.


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