Orlando City finally made a splash.
In a record-setting, seven-figure trade, Orlando City acquired striker Dom Dwyer from Sporting KC. The million-dollar transfer shattered the MLS record City set in the Kevin Molino deal.
For a player of Dwyer’s caliber, frankly, it’s a steal.
Only three players have scored more goals than Dwyer’s 57 since his MLS debut in 2012. Earlier this month, Dwyer became the 10th player to score in both his first two games with the U.S. national team.
Dwyer’s hugely successful stint at the Gold Cup is a high point in a career that got kickstarted in Orlando. In 2013, Dwyer set a USL Pro record with 15 goals in 13 games with Orlando City before being recalled to MLS and Sporting KC. He was returned for the 2013 title match, where he scored four goals to capture MVP honors and City its fourth trophy.
Three months later, Dwyer and SKC were crowned MLS Cup champions. The plan is to get Dwyer in town as soon as possible so he can train with the team and be available for selection when City visits Atlanta United Saturday.
The hope is that he can boost a Lions attack missing the bite of years past and turn it into a championship contender.
Dwyer is among the league’s most well rounded strikers. He has speed, technical ability and a knack for getting in the right place at the right time to unleash his wicked shot – which he does from anywhere within shouting distance of goal. He can play alone up top or in a multi-forward system.
He scores goals. A lot of them.
Just five days from his 27th birthday, his best soccer surely lies ahead.
And how fitting for Dwyer – a player held in such high regard by the Club and its fans – to return to a place once called his “spiritual home.” An untimely yellow card suspension spoiled his homecoming when SKC came to town in May, but everything happens for a reason, and when Dwyer steps foot inside Orlando City Stadium for the first time, he’ll do so as a Lion.
Welcome back, Dom. Welcome home.
