Five months into the 2023 Major League Soccer season, after joining Orlando City in January, Rafael Santos feels at home. The 24-year-old Brazilian left-back has been in action for Orlando City nine times across all competitions this year (seven in the MLS, one in the US Open Cup, and the 1-1 draw against Tigres in the Concacaf Champions League) and has one goal scored (over Inter Miami on the league’s rivalry week) but has yet to give an assist.
Santos accepted Orlando’s challenge after winning Brazil’s Serie B with Cruzeiro in 2022, where he was seen on the field 48 times in total, with four assists and a single goal scored.
Território MLS was able to interview Rafael Santos right after Orlando City won its fourth away match this season by finding the back of the New York Red Bulls net three times, while the home team didn’t give Pedro Gallese much to do during the match.
Very courteous, Rafael asked me if I was from Minas Gerais (Cruzeiro’s home state in Brazil) when he noticed my accent and answered all my questions by looking me into my eyes.
The difference in soccer styles between Brazilian Series A and B compared with the MLS
“The difference between the competitions (Brazil’s Serie A and B) is that the MLS has the fastest attackers, and the game is way faster than Brazil. So, I’ve been adapting myself to face these speedy forwards, always charging with speed. This is the biggest challenge and difference compared to Brazil.”
The reception from Orlando City players and his desire for the future wearing the Lions jersey
“I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m speechless about the roster. They are helping me a lot. I’m delighted, and I have two more years left in my contract, so I believe I’ll be here, grow (as a player) and look for big wins for Orlando City, and become a champion here so then think about ahead, but first I have to think about Orlando.”
On recommending Major League Soccer to more Brazilian players
“I’ve been telling some friends about (MLS). I tell them how good it is here, differently from Brazil, I tell them about playing in the United States, they think it is too hard but it’s not. It is more on adapting with they way the soccer is played here. I have no words about the quality of life it’s another thing. I’m very happy with Orlando and we will look to became a champion here”
(Cover: Instagram – Rafael Santos)
