Sports
Orlando City SC and Facundo Torres Agree to New Contract
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC has signed forward Facundo Torres to a new three-year contract, it was announced today. The Uruguayan forward will stay with the Lions as a Designated Player on a guaranteed contract through 2026, with Club options in 2027 and 2028.
“Facu has proven himself to be such an important part of our team these last couple of years,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “He’s fulfilled our expectations that we set out for him at the start, showing great potential for even further growth. We’re really pleased to have him signed with us for even longer, as we strive for bigger objectives.”
The 23-year-old winger has made 72 starts in 79 appearances for the Lions since arriving in the City Beautiful, scoring 27 goals and providing 16 assists in two full seasons. 10 of Torres’ goals in the MLS regular season have served as game-winning goals, leading City in that category in both 2022 and 2023.
“First, I want to thank the Club and the fans for the amazing support they provide and for always having confidence in me,” Torres said. “I’m very happy to stay here in Orlando and continue this journey together. Vamos Orlando!”
A product of Peñarol’s youth academy system, Torres joined Los Carboneros’ first team at the start of 2020. Since then, Torres has made 71 appearances across all competitions with the Uruguayan club, including appearances in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, scored 16 goals and added 15 assists in those matches. He also played a major role in leading Peñarol to the 2021 Liga Profesional de Primera División title, scoring in the championship match.
On June 4, 2021, the Montevideo, Uruguay, native made his senior international debut for his home country in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay. Torres entered the match as a second-half substitute for his first senior minutes at the international level. He was most recently named to Uruguay’s final roster for its most recent round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches against Argentina (Nov. 16) and Bolivia (Nov. 21).
Torres has since made a total of 15 appearances, including five matches in Copa América 2021 and provided his first assist for Uruguay in the same competition, as well as being named to La Celeste’s final roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Las Piedras, Uruguay native scored his first goal for his national team earlier in 2023, scoring in an international friendly against Cuba on June 21. Before featuring for the senior national team, he played 34 games combined for Uruguay’s U17 and U20 sides, scoring a total of 15 goals for the nation’s youth teams.
For the 2024 season, Torres will switch his jersey number from No. 17 to No. 10, joining players such as former captains Kaká and Mauricio Pereyra in wearing the No. 10 shirt for the Lions.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs forward and Designated Player Facundo Torres to a new contract through 2026, with Club options in 2027 and 2028.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
