Orlando City SC adds to its back-line defense with an experienced American.
The Lions announced on Jan. 10 the signing of center back Alex De John to a one-year contract. De John returns to the U.S. after playing the six previous seasons in first-tier leagues in Norway, Sweden and Finland.
“Alex is an experienced defender who adds needed depth to our back line,” Lions Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said, per the release. “He is a natural leader with solid experience in Europe and the U.S. We are thrilled to make this key signing at center back ahead of preseason…
“Alex will be a strong contributor to the game, both in play and in aiding the development of young players we are bringing to the team.”
The Marlboro Township, New Jersey, native played in 125 career matches overseas, tallying seven goals and two assists.
Most recently, De John played for Dalkurd Fotbollsförening in Sweden, making 20 appearances to help the club be promoted to the country’s top flight in 2017. In total, he finished with 43 appearances for Dalkurd FF.
He got his start in Europe with Finnish side Ekenäs Idrottsförening of the country’s second-tier league. De John, then, moved to Turun Palloseura to compete in the Veikkausliiga, the country’s top flight, making 34 appearances in 2014.
De John moved countries and played for Norwegian side IK Start, playing in 41 games over two seasons in the country’s top flight.
Before his professional career, De John played for Old Dominion University. He started 61 of his 66 appearances, recording two goals and an assist in four seasons.
For more on the Lions, as they continue to reshape their roster ahead of the 2019 season, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com, or you can tweet at him.
