Harvey Sarajian travels with Orlando City against FC Naples in U.S. Open Cup

Orlando City SC forward Harvey Sarajian (23) trains on the field after the team competed against FC Naples in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Orlando City liked what they saw and fully expect him to be a key contributor down the road as he gets further acclimated to professional soccer.

"We are so happy with him," Orlando City interim coach Martín Perelman said. "First of all, he's an amazing guy. He worked really hard. He's performing really well with our second team and with us during the training sessions. He's been part of the roster many times in the MLS. I think his development is amazing so far. It's not easy for rookies to come and get themselves in the environment, but he's doing amazingly and we expect him to continue developing."

His touch has been elite since he was young, something that he honed in on his own in his free time. Then, the goal scoring and athletic ability followed shortly thereafter.

Orlando City SC forward Harvey Sarajian (23) trains on the field after the team competed against FC Naples in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

"You can tell when people are naturals at something," Prange said. "He was a natural. And then as he got older, he worked on it on his own. I told several people that I had nothing to do with his success. I don't think his coaches growing up had that much to do with his success. I think Harvey had the most to do with his success. He worked at it outside of practice. Of course, coaches help you, but the special kids, they work at it."

Now, suiting up professionally, Sarajian's at the highest level of professional soccer in the United States.

"He's made it," Prange said. "I was talking to my daughter earlier, that some people make the Major Leagues, some people make the NBA, NFL. He's made the MLS. This is the real deal. And it's different because I knew him as a young kid. I still remember in the seventh, eighth grade when his older brother Hayden played for me, we were 11th in the nation and he came up to me at the fence and said, 'Prange, I'm gonna play for you.' It's pretty cool."

Orlando City SC forward Harvey Sarajian (23) trains on the field after the team competed against FC Naples in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples alum Harvey Sarajian returns home with Orlando City against FC Naples