The unofficial addition of goalkeeper Tally Hall to the Orlando City Soccer Club’s expansion roster brings much-needed experience to the Lions, but it won’t signal the end of the club’s pursuit of talented players to fill that position.
Last month Orlando City and the Houston Dynamo agreed on a trade that would send the injured two-time MLS All-Star to Orlando, pending league approval once the trade window opens Dec. 8.
Hall’s extended MLS experience was among the key factors in Orlando City targeting the 29-year-old netminder as they prepare to make their jump to the first division in 2015. His addition, however, will not discourage the club from looking at additional options.
“We always knew we needed a couple goalkeepers,” Orlando City general manager Paul McDonough said. “We knew we were going to go with Tally, but we know that we’re going to need at least one more in the Expansion Draft, maybe two. And if we don’t get that then maybe we look into USL or into college because there’s going to be a few good ones coming out in the college draft.”
While Hall has the talent and experience to lead the Lions into MLS play, it’s hard to tell when he’ll be available to contribute once the season rolls around in March.
Hall is currently rehabbing an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee, suffered in a match in the final week of August that ended his toughest season to date. He closed out his 2014 campaign with an 8-12-4 mark and a career-high 44 goals against in 24 matches.
Hall underwent surgery during the early part of September. The typical recovery time for such an injury is six to nine months, meaning Hall is unlikely to begin training with Orlando City until the season is already underway. That still has not stopped the Lions from being plenty happy about the acquisition.
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“We’re delighted to get somebody of his quality,” Orlando City founder and president Phil Rawlins told MLSSoccer.com Wednesday. “The goalkeeper is always important and we’ve got to make sure we bring in a lot of experience. That’s what Tally represents for us.”
Hall had led Houston in the net the past four seasons, making 125 starts with a 1.32 goals against average over that stretch, while helping the club reach the MLS Cup in back-to-back years in 2011 and 2012. Houston lost in the Eastern Conference finals a year ago.
“I leave humbled by the amount of love and support I got from the fans and city, and at the same time I’m so excited to be going to a team that has so much buzz about it," Hall said late last month. "[Orlando’s] absolutely thrilled to have an MLS team there, and to be part of something new is exciting for me and my family.”
