The Orlando City Soccer Club made an immediate splash during the opening of the Major League Soccer trade window on Monday with the announcement of three roster moves, each of which adds needed experience down the middle of their lineup.
Made official by the Lions earlier today was the expected trade for Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall, along with the additions of central defender Aurelien Collin from Sporting Kansas City and midfielder/defender Amobi Okugo from the Philadelphia Union.
The club also added an international spot in a deal with D.C. United in exchange for allocation money.
“We’ve stated many times that we think we've got some really good young players already on the roster, and what we needed to do was put some [players with them] with some MLS experience,” Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said in a conference call. “When we initially drew up a list of players that we would like to bring to the club, the three guys with us today were on that list. We think we've added three top-drawer, not only professionals, but good people, and we're really excited about what today is going to do for us moving forward.”
Hall, who was acquired in exchange for allocation money and a two-year international roster spot, has spent time at the Orlando City offices and said he’s been impressed with the winning mentality of the club, which won two USL PRO championships in four seasons in the league.
“That winning mentality doesn¹t go away with the jump to MLS, that winning expectation is still here,” Hall said. “As players we place that on ourselves, and as a team that¹s the goal.”
Collin was acquired for allocation money and future considerations, while Okugo comes to Orlando City in exchange for allocation money and a 2016 MLS SuperDraft second round pick.
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Collin said he hopes his experience and will to win becomes an asset for the Lions. Okugo, who entered MLS with the expansion Union in 2010, said he’s looking forward to adding to Orlando City’s winning tradition.
“I'm very grateful for the coaching staff to have confidence in not only myself, but for the players here with me,” Okugo said. “Orlando City already has a winning identity, an identity that has produced quality players with quality results and I'm just trying to be a part of it and help however I can.”
The Lions now have 12 players signed for 2015 ahead of Wednesday’s Expansion Draft with key needs being at forward, left wing and overall depth.
