J. Orozco, St. Louis’ #91 Turns Defenders into Tourists — Opponents Lost and He’s Still Smiling
You spot the number 91 patrolling the back line for St. Louis City SC—that’s J. Orozco, a 21-year-old defender who’s quickly made himself at home in the first team.
Orozco signed a first-team contract through 2025 after impressing with CITY2, showing he can compete in MLS.
He’s climbed steadily, moving from Real Salt Lake’s academy to St. Louis, and now, he plays a key role in one of the league’s most disciplined defenses.
You see his versatility every match.
Orozco’s a natural center back, but he’s already filled in at left back when called upon, which gives the coaching staff extra options.
His calm under pressure and sharp reading of the game really stand out, and those traits have helped him settle into St. Louis City SC’s system.
It feels like Orozco isn’t just another name on the roster—he’s hungry for more.
He made his MLS debut at 18 with Real Salt Lake and just recently scored in a 3-1 win over Nashville SC.
With roots in Ciudad Juárez and a journey shaped by the U.S. system, Orozco’s progress at St. Louis City SC is genuinely worth watching.
Contents
Profile of J. Orozco at St. Louis City SC
Jaziel Orozco brings youth, flexibility, and steady development to St. Louis City SC.
You can trace his journey from academy prospect to MLS starter through his growing responsibilities and the faith the club has shown in him.
Position and Jersey Number
Orozco mainly plays as a central defender, but he’s also stepped in at left back.
That flexibility is a real asset during a long MLS season.
He wears jersey number 91, which makes him stand out on the roster.
For a young player, it’s a bit of a statement—maybe a nod to individuality or just the start of something new.
He came up through the Real Salt Lake system before making the jump to St. Louis City SC.
Debuting in MLS at 18 gave him early experience against top competition, and that’s paying off now.
Here’s a quick look at his positional profile:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Role | Center Back |
| Secondary Role | Left Back |
| Jersey Number | 91 |
| Height/Style | Strong in duels, calm on ball |
First-Team Contract Details
You can follow Orozco’s progress through his contract.
St. Louis City SC signed him to a first-team deal through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with club options for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
That setup shows the club trusts him but also keeps things flexible.
He earned this chance after logging over 1,300 minutes with CITY2 in 2025.
His leadership and steady play in defense led to his promotion.
Orozco is the 11th player to make the jump from CITY2 to the senior squad.
That stat says a lot about the club’s focus on developing from within.
You can check out the official announcement of his signing on the St. Louis City SC website.
Role in the Squad
Orozco isn’t just there to fill out the bench.
He’s already provided cover across the backline and started MLS matches against Real Salt Lake and Portland Timbers.
He played the full 90 minutes in those games and didn’t look rattled at all.
His leadership with CITY2 has carried over to the first team.
The coaches appreciate his ability to read the game and stay calm when things get tight.
That’s not something you see every day in a 21-year-old defender.
In a squad that blends experience with youth, Orozco represents the next wave.
If you follow St. Louis City SC, you probably get the sense his role will only grow as the season rolls on.
He spent time at Real Salt Lake’s academy before moving to St. Louis, so he already had a taste of professional soccer environments.
That background probably explains why he’s adapted so quickly to MLS.
Career Journey and Club History
Jaziel Orozco’s path has been all about steady growth, early exposure to pro soccer, and adapting to new challenges.
His journey highlights time in youth systems and an ability to adjust quickly at higher levels.
Early Career and Youth Development
Orozco grew up in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, before jumping into professional environments at a young age.
He started out with Real Monarchs in the USL Championship, making his debut in May 2021 against San Antonio FC.
That early experience gave him valuable minutes in a league known for developing young players.
By 2022, Real Salt Lake saw something in him and signed him to a homegrown contract.
At just 18, he got a shot to train and compete with the first team.
That foundation set him up for bigger opportunities, both in the U.S. and abroad.
He also spent time on loan with Santos Laguna in Liga MX and Larne FC in Northern Ireland.
Those stints exposed him to different styles—Northern Ireland’s physicality and Mexico’s technical play both added new layers to his game.
Transition from CITY2 to First Team
When Orozco joined St. Louis CITY2 ahead of the 2025 season, he brought experience from several leagues.
CITY2 signed him to an MLS NEXT Pro deal with a club option for 2026, giving him a platform to show what he could do.
He made an impression right away.
Coaches highlighted his calmness on the ball, strong positioning, and game awareness.
That led to a first-team contract with St. Louis CITY SC through 2025, with options through 2028.
He became the 11th player to move from CITY2 up to the senior roster.
That pipeline keeps producing talent, and Orozco’s quick rise shows why.
Within months, he earned his first start in MLS play, which says a lot about the trust the coaches have in him.
MLS Debut and Real Salt Lake Experience
Orozco made his MLS debut for Real Salt Lake in March 2022.
At 18, he started three matches and made four appearances overall.
That first season gave him a real taste of top-level competition.
Here’s a quick look at his early MLS numbers with RSL:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Real Salt Lake | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Those matches showed both his strengths and the areas he still needed to work on.
You could see a young defender eager to step up, take on challenges, and play with confidence.
His stint with RSL didn’t last long, but it paved the way for his move to St. Louis.
That early MLS experience still shapes how he approaches every match.
Defensive Skills and Playing Style
Jaziel Orozco, who came out of the RSL Academy and later CITY2 before joining St. Louis City SC, brings a disciplined approach to defending.
He relies on positioning, timing, and a steady presence in the back line rather than flashy moves or unnecessary risks.
Key Attributes as a Defender
Orozco stands out in one-on-one duels.
He positions himself well, cutting off angles and pushing attackers into less dangerous spots.
His anticipation lets him step into passing lanes and break up plays before they become real threats.
At 178 cm, Orozco uses his frame well in aerial battles.
He times his jumps nicely and wins headers against taller forwards.
His tackling is clean and relies on timing instead of risky lunges.
Defensive Metrics (2025 season so far)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Tackles per match | 2.1 |
| Clearances per match | 4.3 |
| Aerial duels won % | 61% |
| Passing accuracy | 82% |
These stats show a defender who helps both in stopping attacks and starting play from the back.
Versatility and Tactical Awareness
Orozco’s flexibility shows up in how he handles different roles.
While he’s mainly a center back, he’s also filled in as a defensive midfielder—showing off his composure on the ball.
That kind of versatility is gold in a league where rosters get tested over long seasons.
He reads the game well and adjusts his positioning based on the opponent’s setup.
When St. Louis City SC presses high, Orozco steps up to intercept passes.
When the team sits deeper, he stays tight with the back line.
He switches between man-marking and zonal duties without losing focus, which shows real tactical awareness.
That adaptability means he can fit into different systems without missing a beat.
Leadership on the Field
Even at 21, Orozco shows leadership qualities.
You’ll see him talking nonstop, pointing out marks, and making sure the defensive shape stays organized.
He’s not loud for the sake of it, but his voice keeps teammates in sync.
He leads by example.
He rarely gets caught out of position and sets the tone for younger players coming up from CITY2.
His path from academy prospect to first-team contract with St. Louis City SC gives him credibility in the locker room.
For someone who started in the RSL Academy and then CITY2, his steady rise speaks to patience and hard work.
You can see him becoming a reliable leader in the back line as he racks up more MLS minutes.
Notable Matches and Performances
Jaziel Orozco has built his reputation through steady performances that highlight his adaptability and composure.
His early MLS games, key outings against Real Salt Lake, and leadership with CITY2 helped him earn a first-team deal.
Debut Matches for St. Louis City SC
You probably first spotted Orozco when he jumped into the St. Louis City SC lineup after moving up from CITY2. He made his debut in 2025, starting as a defender and playing the full match. That move from the coaching staff said a lot—they trusted him right away.
In those first few games, Orozco took turns as a center back and a left back. That positional flexibility kept him on the field more often. He didn’t seem overwhelmed, even when he had to deal with experienced MLS attackers.
He found the net for his first career MLS goal in his fifth appearance. That goal gave St. Louis the lead in the 23rd minute against Nashville. It wasn’t just the finish that stood out—his timing and awareness in the box made it possible.
Key Early Stats
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | St. Louis City SC | 5 | 1 | 450+ |
Standout Games Against Real Salt Lake
Orozco always brought something extra when he faced Real Salt Lake. He came through the RSL Academy and made his MLS debut with them at 18. So, when he played against his old club with St. Louis, there was a bit more on the line.
In his first start against RSL, he played the entire match. He stayed patient with the ball, made several clearances, and kept his positioning tight against players he knew well. That night, he really proved he could handle the pace of MLS.
Even though St. Louis lost 3-2, Orozco’s performance caught people’s attention. He looked calm when things got hectic and barely lost his mark. For a young defender on a new team, that game showed he could handle high-pressure moments.
Impact in CITY2 and MLS NEXT Pro
Before he got his shot with the senior squad, Orozco played a big part for CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro. He started every one of his 15 appearances and logged over 1,300 minutes. He anchored a defense that ranked among the league’s best.
You could hear him organizing the backline, calling out instructions, and keeping his teammates focused. He didn’t rush his decisions, which is rare for someone who was only 21 at the time.
St. Louis rewarded that steady run with a first-team contract through 2025, with options for 2026 through 2028. St. Louis CITY SC made him the 11th player in club history to move up from CITY2 to the senior squad.
His time in MLS NEXT Pro really set him up for success. If he hadn’t played so many games there, he probably wouldn’t have been ready for MLS action so quickly.
Recognition and Future Prospects
You’re looking at a young defender who’s already earned solid minutes in MLS and proven he can adapt fast. His early results show steady growth, but the next few seasons will really shape his path.
Achievements with St. Louis City SC
Jaziel Orozco joined St. Louis City SC after making his mark with CITY2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team. His performances there—over 1,300 minutes in 2025—helped him land a first-team contract through 2025, with options out to 2028. That’s a pretty clear sign the club believes in his future.
You watched him step into the senior side and go the full 90 minutes twice—once against Real Salt Lake, once against Portland Timbers. He played left back both times, even though he’s naturally a center back. Coaches love that kind of versatility from a young player.
Orozco’s leadership with CITY2 stood out as well. He started every match he played, anchoring a defense that was among the league’s best. His calmness on the ball and ability to read the game gave him an edge that carried over to the senior team.
Key 2025 Stats (CITY2)
| Matches Played | Minutes | Starts | Defensive Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1,330+ | 15 | Center Back, Left Back |
That run made him the 11th player in club history to earn a first-team contract after starting with CITY2. The pipeline between the two squads is definitely growing.
Potential for Growth in MLS
What matters most now is how Orozco keeps up with the pace and physicality of MLS. He already made his league debut at 18 with Real Salt Lake, and now at 21, he’s at a point where regular minutes will shape his trajectory.
His ability to play multiple defensive positions gives him a real advantage. Coaches trust players who can fill different roles, and Orozco’s shown he can do that without losing his cool. That flexibility should keep him in the mix, even when the roster is crowded.
He needs to keep working on his one-on-one defending and get better at distributing under pressure. MLS attackers will test his positioning and recovery speed, so there’s still plenty of room to grow. If he keeps improving, he could become a steady rotation player or maybe even push for a starting spot.
The long-term contract helps, too. With options through 2028, St. Louis City SC can give him time to develop. That kind of stability makes it easier to see him as part of the club’s plans.
Orozco came through the RSL Academy and spent time with Real Monarchs, Santos Laguna, and Larne FC. That’s a lot of experience for his age. His college days at Salt Lake Community College gave him a foundation before he turned pro, and that mix of backgrounds should help him handle whatever comes next.
Background and Personal Information
Here’s a young defender who’s already taken a winding road through different clubs and leagues. His story is about steady growth, adaptability, and the persistence it takes to break into MLS.
Early Life and Origins
Jaziel Alberto Orozco Landeros was born on June 2, 2004, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Growing up in a border city where soccer is everywhere, he got into the game early.
His background is a bit unique. He was born in Mexico but spent much of his youth in the U.S., which shaped his identity and opened up new playing opportunities. He has ties to both countries, and that dual background influenced how he developed.
Orozco’s family supported his career from the start, moving with him as he chased spots in professional academies. His upbringing blended Mexican soccer traditions with the structure of American youth systems, giving him a mix of styles.
Unlike a lot of pros, Orozco didn’t take the college path. He committed to professional soccer as a teenager. That decision set him apart from players who tried to balance school and sports.
Path to Professional Soccer
You can actually trace Orozco’s journey through a handful of clubs before he ended up with St. Louis City SC. He started out at the Real Salt Lake Academy and picked up his first pro minutes in MLS when he was just 17.
After that, he went on loan to Santos Laguna in Liga MX and then to Larne FC in Northern Ireland. Those moves really pushed him, making him adapt fast to new playing styles and different tactical approaches.
When Real Salt Lake let him go for the 2025 season, Orozco had to look for a fresh opportunity. St. Louis City SC stepped in after he caught their eye with CITY2, their MLS NEXT Pro team.
He moved up from CITY2 to the first team, just like a few other young guys in the club’s system. By the middle of 2025, he’d signed a contract that ran through the end of the season, with options down the line, so he locked in his spot on the roster.
Career Snapshot
| Year | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Real Salt Lake | MLS | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | Real Salt Lake | US Open Cup | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | Santos Laguna (loan) | Liga MX | Limited | 0 |
| 2024 | Larne FC (loan) | NIFL Premiership | Regular starter | 0 |
| 2025 | St. Louis CITY2 | MLS NEXT Pro | Regular starter | 0 |
| 2025 | St. Louis CITY SC | MLS | Ongoing | 0 |
Just looking at this table, you can see how he’s steadily climbed the ladder—from being an academy prospect to now lining up as a first-team defender wearing No. 91 for St. Louis City SC.
