Harvey Sarajian Signs First Professional Contract with Orlando City
1/16/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
The fifth-overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft is the 47th Wake Forest player to sign a professional contract under the direction of head coach Bobby Muuss.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A month after being selected fifth overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, Wake Forest men's soccer alum Harvey Sarajian has signed his first professional contract with Orlando City SC.
Joining the program in January of 2025, the Naples, Fla.-native appeared in all 17 matches with 15 starts, logging 887 minutes on the pitch throughout the season across the front three. Sarajian entered the year with national preseason recognition, earning spots on the United Soccer Coaches' Midfielders to Watch list and TopDrawerSoccer's Top 100 Players list (No. 38). He consistently created danger in the midfield with his speed and physicality, impacting matches on both sides of the ball.
"Wake Forest will always be home," Sarajian said. "I'm forever grateful to my coaches, teammates and the fans who stuck with me and believed in me from day one. Thank you for the love, the support and, most importantly, the memories. This chapter of my life would not have been possible without you. Go Deacs!"
Sarajian produced several key moments throughout the campaign. He tabbed his first Wake Forest goal against Liberty with a beautiful strike (Sept. 22). He logged a hard-earned assist in the 2-1 road win at Cal, earning team Man of the Match honors (Oct. 11) before tallying his first ACC goal in a 1-1 draw at Pitt (Oct. 24). He also added an assist in the first round of the ACC Tournament at SMU (Nov. 5).
Sarajian was the third Wake Forest player selected by Orlando, joining Joey DeZart (2020) and Andrew Pannenberg (2021).
The Naples, Fla.-native was also the fifth Wake Forest player selected in the top five under head coach Bobby Muuss, joining elite company in Jack Harrison (2016), Jon Bakero (2018), Calvin Harris (2021) and Michael DeShields (2021). Additionally, Sarajian is the 11th first-round selection during that span.
Overall, Muuss and the rest of the Demon Deacon coaching staff has developed 47 professional players over the last 11 years, including 26 draft selections and 14 homegrown contracts. Sarajian is the second Demon Deacon this season to make his professional dreams come true, joining Cooper Flax (NYCFC).
Joining the program in January of 2025, the Naples, Fla.-native appeared in all 17 matches with 15 starts, logging 887 minutes on the pitch throughout the season across the front three. Sarajian entered the year with national preseason recognition, earning spots on the United Soccer Coaches' Midfielders to Watch list and TopDrawerSoccer's Top 100 Players list (No. 38). He consistently created danger in the midfield with his speed and physicality, impacting matches on both sides of the ball.
"Wake Forest will always be home," Sarajian said. "I'm forever grateful to my coaches, teammates and the fans who stuck with me and believed in me from day one. Thank you for the love, the support and, most importantly, the memories. This chapter of my life would not have been possible without you. Go Deacs!"
Sarajian produced several key moments throughout the campaign. He tabbed his first Wake Forest goal against Liberty with a beautiful strike (Sept. 22). He logged a hard-earned assist in the 2-1 road win at Cal, earning team Man of the Match honors (Oct. 11) before tallying his first ACC goal in a 1-1 draw at Pitt (Oct. 24). He also added an assist in the first round of the ACC Tournament at SMU (Nov. 5).
Sarajian was the third Wake Forest player selected by Orlando, joining Joey DeZart (2020) and Andrew Pannenberg (2021).
The Naples, Fla.-native was also the fifth Wake Forest player selected in the top five under head coach Bobby Muuss, joining elite company in Jack Harrison (2016), Jon Bakero (2018), Calvin Harris (2021) and Michael DeShields (2021). Additionally, Sarajian is the 11th first-round selection during that span.
Overall, Muuss and the rest of the Demon Deacon coaching staff has developed 47 professional players over the last 11 years, including 26 draft selections and 14 homegrown contracts. Sarajian is the second Demon Deacon this season to make his professional dreams come true, joining Cooper Flax (NYCFC).
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Men's Soccer
Midfielder/Forward
/ Men's SoccerWake Forest vs Mississippi State | Duke's Mayo Bowl Cinematic Recap
Friday, January 09
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. Miami
Thursday, January 08
Steve Forbes - Postgame Presser vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, January 03
Head Coach Jake Dickert Duke's Mayo Bowl Postgame Press Conference (Jan. 2, 2026)
Saturday, January 03