Duncan McGuire undergoes surgery, but return scheduled to the Orlando City pitch | OneFootball

It’s happened again to forward Duncan McGuire. But this time, it’s fixing an injury that will keep him off the Orlando City SC pitch.

Forward Duncan McGuire is off the pitch after successful arthroscopic surgery for a labral repair in his left shoulder. But he’ll be back later this year if recovery progresses as expected.

Dr. Craig Mintzer, the club’s Chief Medical Officer, performed the surgery. He is part of the organization’s official medical team at the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

If McGuire makes it back late this season, it will be vital to the team’s final surge toward the MLS playoffs.

In three seasons for the Lions, McGuire has appeared in 88 matches across all competitions, starting in 46. He has scored 28 goals with seven assists. Orlando selected him sixth overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

He had already worked his way back to the Lions' pitch before his latest surgery. Even with limited game time, McGuire got in a March match against the New York Red Bulls. He got in two key passes and won an aerial duel. All the creativity and competitive spirit McGuire had in him were there.

He initially injured his shoulder in 2024, colliding while trying for a header against the San Jose Earthquakes.

May 24, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City celebrate after forward Duncan McGuire (13) scores during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

More recently, he faced a solid Portland Timbers defense that had the match stuck at 0-0. They were using a back-five formation. But in the 39th minute, McGuire got behind the defenders, where midfielder Eduard Atuesta sailed in a ball that he directed into the net.

To succeed through the rest of this MLS season, Head Coach Oscar Pareja has emphasized that Orlando City has to amp up its energy in the second half and execute the level of defense that McGuire contributes.

The surgery is successful. Now, Orlando City SC has to work with Duncan McGuire to maintain the progress of his rehabilitation. Then return him to the pitch later this year.