ORLANDO, Fla. (January 27, 2017) - Orlando City SC acquires goalkeeper Josh Saunders from New York City FC in exchange for its natural fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
“Josh is a veteran MLS goalkeeper that will add championship experience, leadership and depth to our side with 125 appearances in 11 years in the league,” Lions General Manager Niki Budalic said. “[Head coach] Jason Kreis is very familiar with Josh from his time in New York and Real Salt Lake and is looking forward to working with him again.”
Saunders joins Orlando City from New York City FC, where he played during 2015 and 2016. Saunders made 66 starts for NYCFC, posting 12 clean sheets and 221 saves. During NYCFC’s 2015 expansion season, Saunders led the league in saves (123) while playing under current Lions coach Jason Kreis.
Saunders also played for Kreis at Real Salt Lake in 2013, where he made three starts. Saunders was the primary goalkeeper for the LA Galaxy for their 2011 and 2012 MLS Cup runs. The California native made 18 starts for the Galaxy in their Supporters’ Shield-winning 2011 campaign and posted two clean sheets in four playoff games. Saunders went on to start 27 games for LA in 2012 and played each of their playoff matches as they repeated as MLS Cup champions. In 2011, Saunders also started all six matches for LA in the CONCACAF Champions League on their run to the quarterfinals.
The 35-year-old originally joined MLS in 2003 with the San Jose Earthquakes and made his debut in 2008 with the Galaxy. Saunders also has two caps for the Puerto Rico national team.
Saunders joins 2016 Orlando City SC Fans' and Players' Player of the Year winner Joe Bendik, Earl Edwards, Jr. and Mason Stajduhar on City’s roster.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires goalkeeper Josh Saunders in exchange for its 2019 MLS SuperDraft natural fourth-round pick.
Name: Josh Saunders
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Date of birth: March 2, 1981
Birthplace: Grants Pass, Ore.
Citizenship: United States of America
