Orlando City SC’s 2019 roster is continuing to take shape, as the Lions add attacking power with their latest acquisition.
On Sunday, City announced forward Tesho Akindele will join their roster from FC Dallas in exchange for $150,000 in allocation money: $100,000 in targeted-allocation money in 2019 and $50,000 in general-allocation money in 2020.
Akindele was drafted by Dallas with the sixth-overall pick in the 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The Canadian international went on to become the Rookie of the Year, tallying three assists and a career-high seven goals in 26 games and 18 starts.
Since then, Akindele has posted 17 goals and five assists in the last four seasons, including posting a career-high four assists in 2016. Akindele scored twice with his second-straight season of zero assists in a career-low five starts in 2018.
The 26-year-old also boasts national-team experience, making 14 appearances for the Canadian men’s national team. He has scored twice, including his first-ever in a World Cup qualifier against Dominica.
Akindele joins an Orlando City team that was tied for second-fewest goals scored (43) in 2018.
For more on the Lions, as they tune up their roster for the 2019 campaign, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
