Osman Orlando (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

Osman “Ossie” Orlando began his US playing career in 1974, traveling from his native Ghana to play for the Cincinnati Comets in the ASL. His skill was well established, having played for the Ghanian national team for seven years and participating in two Olympic games.

 

He led the Comets through a highly successful season. However, when Ghana submitted a letter of protest to FIFA—demanding Ossie’s return home—his professional career became stalled as he was made unable to play.

 

Ossie stayed in the US, continuing to play through coaching. He first became assistant coach for Washington’s St. Albans School, then head coach, leading them to a 16-1 record.

 

He coached for the Women’s Mclean Red Shins in the 1980s, leading them to the semi-finals of the USSF National Challenge Cup. On the same day, Ossie played for the Men’s Virginia Kicks, where they played in the Amateur Cup Championship (runners-up). In 1986, he coached the Fairfax Wildfire to the Women’s National Championship.

 

He served as coach for both the Men’s and the Women’s Metro DC/VA State Select teams, producing three National Team players, five MLS players, the first Virginia State Cup Champion from DC and the State Cup Runner-Up. From 1991-2007, he was the head coach of the University of the District of Columbia’s soccer team, and was named Adidas Division II Regional Coach of the Year in 2002.

 

Ossie continues his work to this day, creating and coaching the Washington Capital United’s development academy. He trains children 6-10 in soccer fundamentals, preparing them for the future. Ossie has dedicated his life to the sport, and has regularly gone above and beyond over the last 48 years of his career.