Orlando City Academy products Alex Freeman and Justin Ellis earned call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team for its match against Peru at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando. The game will give both players an opportunity to represent the United States at the venue where their professional careers began.
Freeman’s return carries added significance. His first U.S. Men’s National Team match after the 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in Orlando, the city where he began his professional career before joining Villarreal CF of La Liga.
“I think it’s very special for me,” Freeman said at Inter.co Stadium on Friday. “Knowing that this is kind of a place that jump-started my career, this is kind of a place where I kind of showcase myself. Just coming back here, after leaving in January, not even a year later, I feel like for me, it’s a full-circle moment.”
Two Orlando City pathways reach the national team
Freeman and Ellis came through the Orlando City Academy and MLS NEXT Pro pathway together. Freeman said Ellis’ inclusion on the initial roster made him happy because Ellis followed a similar route through Orlando’s player-development system.
“When I first saw the initial roster, and I saw Justin on it, it made me happy,” Freeman said. “I know how much it took for him to get here. He’s gone through the same pathway as me, being able to be successful in such a short amount of time like myself.”
Ellis, an Orlando City Homegrown product, is seeking his first minutes with the U.S. Men’s National Team senior squad. Freeman has helped him during the call-up while also giving him room to establish himself within the group.
“I think for me, it’s how can I come here and support him whenever he needs, but also give him the space,” Freeman said. “I know he’s a young person. He doesn’t want me talking to him all the time, he wants to have his own time and be able to work things his way.”
Justin Ellis receives support from Gio Reyna
Ellis has also turned to Gio Reyna during the camp. Reyna has supported Ellis and spoken with him about playing together as Ellis works toward his first senior national team appearance.
“He’s actually been so good to me in this camp,” Ellis said of Reyna. “He’s been probably the most talkative senior player, besides Freeman. Playing with him, I think we see the game in a similar way. We both love playing with the ball, and I think we can connect really well when we’re on the field.”
Javier Carrillo helped shape both journeys
Javier Carrillo, Orlando City’s Academy Director and Head of Player Development, played an important role in bringing Freeman and Ellis to Orlando. Carrillo brought both players to the club after their opportunities in South Florida did not work out as they had hoped.
Ellis credited Carrillo with influencing both his football career and his life. Freeman said Carrillo took a chance on them and trusted them to continue developing in Orlando.
“For me, and I think for Justin as well, Javi is probably one of the most influential people, not only in our football but in our lives,” Ellis said. “He took us to Orlando when the opportunity wasn’t there in South Florida, and he just kind of paved the way for both of us.”
“Javi has been one of those guys who took a chance on us when no one else believed,” Freeman said. “But he trusted in us to be able to take us here to Orlando. I feel like it’s something we’re forever grateful for.”
Orlando City connections add context against Peru
Freeman and Ellis also have ties to Peru internationals Wilder Cartagena and Pedro Gallese. Cartagena is an Orlando City midfielder, while Gallese is a former Orlando City goalkeeper.
Freeman said both players helped him when he first reached the Orlando City first team. Those connections will give the match additional personal meaning for Freeman as he prepares to face former teammates and colleagues.
“With Pedro and Wilder, I feel like both those guys helped when I first came up into the ranks and became a first-team player,” Freeman said. “Playing against them, it’s going to be a rivalry. Me and Wilder already talked about it. It’s going to be a battle, and it’s how we go into that battle and hopefully come out on top.”
FSB Take
Freeman’s return to Orlando and Ellis’ pursuit of a first senior appearance give Orlando City a direct connection to the U.S. Men’s National Team match against Peru. Both players came through the Orlando City Academy and MLS NEXT Pro pathway, and Carrillo’s influence links their development stories.
The match at Inter.co Stadium will also bring Freeman back to the city where his professional career began, while Ellis will have the opportunity to pursue his first senior national team minutes in the same Orlando setting.
Source: Original report