Junior Urso (full name: Carlos Augusto "Júnior" Soares de Paulo), commonly known as Júnior Urso, is a Brazilian professional footballer who has played as a central/defensive midfielder.
- Full name: Carlos Augusto Soares de Paulo (commonly known as Júnior Urso)
- Date of birth: November 19, 1989
- Place of birth: São Paulo, Brazil
- Primary position: Central / Defensive Midfielder
Career highlights (selected):
- Urso began his career in Brazil, featuring for clubs including América Mineiro, Coritiba, and Atlético Mineiro among others during his early years.
- He had a successful spell at Coritiba (2014–2015) before moving to China and then returning to Brazil.
- Júnior Urso joined Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer (MLS) in February 2019. At Orlando City he became an important midfield presence, known for his ball-winning ability, passing range, and leadership.
- During his time with Orlando City (2019–2021), he served as a regular starter and contributed defensively and offensively, including goals from midfield and set-piece involvement.
- After the 2021 season, Urso departed Orlando City and returned to Brazil to continue his career.
Playing style and attributes:
- Strong defensive awareness and tackling.
- Good positional sense and ability to break up opposition play.
- Capable passer who can distribute from deep and progress the ball into attacking phases.
- Leadership qualities and experience in multiple leagues (Brazil, China, MLS).
Notable achievements:
- Won domestic honors in Brazil during various stints; served as a key player at club level.
- Recognized at Orlando City for stabilizing the midfield and contributing both defensively and offensively.
Current status: After leaving Orlando City following the 2021 MLS season, Júnior Urso returned to play in Brazil. For the most up-to-date club and statistics, consult recent club announcements or reputable football databases, since transfers and rosters can change frequently.