Orlando City acquired the 36-year-old via trade on Jan. 27 from New York City FC, where he started 66 regular season matches in 2015 and 2016. Saunders played for current Lions head coach Jason Kreis at Real Salt Lake in 2013 and NYCFC in 2015. Saunders has been the backup for Joe Bendik in every MLS game this season and started City’s U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC on June 14.
The Grants Pass, Ore., native is a two-time MLS Cup Champion with the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. Saunders has made two senior international appearances for the Puerto Rico national team.
Saunders is one of four goalkeepers on the First Team roster, along with Bendik, Earl Edwards, Jr., and Homegrown Mason Stajduhar. Bendik has played every MLS minute in goal for Orlando City since the beginning of 2016.
About Orlando City SC:
After winning three USL Pro regular season championships and two postseason titles over a four-year span, Orlando City SC quickly set the standard for professional soccer clubs both on and off the field and was awarded the 21st Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise on Nov. 19, 2013. The Lions played their first two seasons in MLS at the Orlando Citrus Bowl, where they held the second-highest average attendance in MLS. In 2016, the Club launched Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Orlando City B in the United Soccer League (USL).
In March 2017, Orlando City SC unveiled its brand new, privately financed downtown stadium. With a capacity of 25,500 fans, Orlando City Stadium creates the most exciting game-day experience for fans in the country.
For more information, visitwww.orlandocitysc.com,www.orlando-pride.com orwww.orlandocityb.com.
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