As the Major League Soccer offseason continues, so, too, does the overhaul of Orlando City SC’s roster. On Dec. 27, the club announced the departure of another Lion from last season’s roster.
Midfielder Yoshimar Yotún was transferred to Cruz Azul Fútbol Club of Liga MX, the first-tier league of Mexican soccer. In exchange, Orlando City received an undisclosed amount.
Per the Lions’ release, the Peruvian wanted to make the move south of the border despite the efforts of Orlando City’s front office to keep Yotún in the City Beautiful.
“Yoshi has been an important player for this club; however, he expressed interest in Cruz Azul at the conclusion of the season,” new Lions Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said, per the release. “We worked closely with him and his agent to keep him in Orlando, including offering new contract options.
“Ultimately, the player and his mind set on a move to Mexico, and we reached the best possible outcome for both him and the club. We thank Yoshi for his time with Orlando City and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
The 28-year-old, who played for his country in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, started all 32 of his appearances for the Lions, tallying five goals and 14 assists in 2,857 minutes.
Some of his best performances came against the New England Revolution: In a 6-1 win over New England on Sept. 27, 2017, Yotún recorded a goal and two assists in a 90-minute performance; on Aug. 4, Yotún tallied three assists in 89 minutes in a 3-3 draw with the Revolution.
Orlando City will see a significant number of additions to their roster on Jan. 11, 2019, the day of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Lions own seven picks: No. 3, No. 27, No. 38, No. 59, No. 75, No. 94 and No. 96.
For more on the Lions, as they shape up their new roster for the 2019 campaign, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
