Jack Lynn Hangs Up His Cleats: Orlando City Forward Retires

Orlando City SC forward Jack Lynn has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer, opting to explore new opportunities outside the sport. The 25-year-old, who was drafted 18th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, leaves behind a notable legacy with the Lions.

Key Takeaways

• Jack Lynn retires at age 25 to pursue opportunities outside of soccer.
• Drafted 18th overall by Orlando City SC in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
• Scored two goals in 22 appearances for Orlando City SC.
• Set a league record with 38 goals in 53 appearances for Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro.
• Named 2023 MLS NEXT Pro MVP, Best XI, and Golden Boot winner.

Career Overview

Jack Lynn’s journey in professional soccer began when he was selected by Orlando City SC from the University of Notre Dame. During his time at Notre Dame, he made a significant impact, totaling 79 appearances, 31 goals, and eight assists. His senior year was particularly impressive, as he helped lead the Fighting Irish to an ACC Championship and a deep run in the NCAA College Cup.

In his professional career, Lynn made 22 appearances for Orlando City SC, where he scored two crucial game-winning goals. His performance in the MLS NEXT Pro league was nothing short of remarkable, as he set a record with 38 goals and five assists in just 53 matches, earning him multiple accolades in 2023.

Acknowledgments

Orlando City SC’s EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager, Luiz Muzzi, expressed gratitude for Lynn’s contributions to the team. Muzzi stated, "Jack is a player who always gave 100 percent for us here in Orlando both in training and every game that he played. He is someone who was always a positive to have as a part of the group and was ready to do whatever was asked of him for the team."

Future Endeavors

As Lynn steps away from the pitch, he leaves behind a promising career filled with achievements and recognition. His decision to retire at such a young age has sparked discussions about the challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sports. Lynn’s next steps remain to be seen, but his dedication and work ethic will undoubtedly serve him well in whatever path he chooses.

Conclusion

Jack Lynn’s retirement marks the end of a chapter for both the player and Orlando City SC. As the team prepares for the upcoming 2025 campaign, they will look to other strikers, including Luis Muriel, Ramiro Enrique, and Duncan McGuire, to fill the void left by Lynn. The Lions are set to kick off their season on February 22 against the Philadelphia Union, aiming to build on their success from the previous year, where they reached the Eastern Conference Final in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Sources

• Orlando City forward Jack Lynn retires | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
• Orlando City forward Jack Lynn announces retirement  | Orlando City, Orlando City.