ORLANDO – Orlando City SC general manager Paul McDonough has revealed the team is considering two new options at center back after the failed bid to land Brazilian Paulo Andre – and they could end up signing both.
The Lions were disappointed to lose out on the experienced Andre after agreeing terms last month following his release by China’s Shanghai Shenhua, but the 32-year-old defender was lured home at the last minute by an increased offer from storied Brazilian club Cruzeiro.
The league newcomers admit they still have a hole to plug in central defense alongside the proven Aurélien Collin, but are ready to give Irish international Sean St. Ledger (pictured above in action vs. Spain and New York City FC's David Villa) the first chance to fill the starting role.
St. Ledger, 30, seemed to have failed his initial MLS audition last week when he left an unsuccessful trial stint with D.C. United following just two preseason appearances. But he now has another major opportunity to restart his career in the US after being released by English Championship side Ipswich in December.
However, he will also have competition for the defensive role as City are bringing in another, as yet unnamed, candidate from England's second tier this week.
“Sean is very much first choice at the moment,” McDonough explained. “He has the experience and the kind of ability we’re looking for in the middle of the back four.
“But we will also be bringing over another English player from the Championship on Monday or Tuesday and giving him a full trial as well. He can play at both center back or on the right, so it’s perfectly possible we could sign both of them.”
McDonough also confirmed these are likely the final acquisitions as the team builds towards its debut against fellow newcomers New York City on March 8.
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Adding both to the 29-man roster would require some pruning before the start of the season, especially since they have 14 international players and only 11 available slots. But Orlando certainly have room to maneuver, with no less than 12 midfielders on their books.
“We still have plenty of time to decide,” McDonough added. “But the most important thing right now is to get the defensive balance right and give head coach Adrian Heath the squad he needs.
“We still have Gustavo and youngsters Tommy Redding and Conor Donovan who can play at center back, while Amobi Okugo could also drop back from midfield at a push, so we’re not short on options. Finding some extra experience would be valuable, though.”
