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While most of us thought that José Aja was going to be Orlando City SC‘s sole mid-season arrival, Deadline Day saw the Lions swap Darwin Cerén for Matías Pérez García.
The trade with San Jose Earthquakes now means an additional attacking midfielder joins Orlando City SC‘s ranks with Jason Kreis seemingly content with his remaining defensive midfield options.
It’s certainly an interesting move that in all honesty took everybody by surprise with Darwin Cerén representing a member of the Lions’ old guard having previously played for the club in its USL format.
Thanks all fans and @OrlandoCitySC for this amazing years. I carry with me in my heart, thanks for everything. #NeverHuntAlone ??
— DarwinCerén17 (@CerenDarwin) August 3, 2016
But with a new coach in Jason Kreis comes a new direction and with Servando Carrasco and Antonio Nocerino starting the Lions’ last game against New England Revolution, it is now that duo plus Cristian Higuita who will fight it out in central midfield.
Arriving at Camping World Stadium is an experienced attacking midfielder in the form of Matías Pérez García.
Now 31-years-old, the tricky Argentine will undoubtedly suit Orlando City SC‘s expansive style of play but faces a battle on his hands to earn a regular starting berth with Kaká, Kevin Molino and Brek Shea to contend with.
One thing that’s for sure is that Orlando City SC fans are divided on whether the club’s Deadline Day business was worthwhile or not.
In a poll ran by Orlando City UK in the immediate aftermath of the swap deal, it appears many City supporters are willing to wait and see what happens however.
Straight up; are you happy or sad with #OCSC‘s decision to trade Darwin Cerén for Matías Pérez García today? ?#MLS
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 3, 2016
As well as running a poll, Orlando City UK also collected some of the best tweets from social as Orlando City SC fans reacted to the Darwin Cerén for Matías Pérez García trade.
@TheMLSshow don’t understand this one, Garcia older, higher salary, Attacking midfielder. Ceren was dependable, hard worker, big loss!
— Rosco (@McIntoshRosco) August 3, 2016
Not Ceren…. no…….
— Beefncheez (@Beefncheez712) August 3, 2016
@CerenDarwin @OrlandoCitySC Best of luck, Darwin! You were always great with the fans and a blast to watch. You will be missed.
— anakenn (@anakenn) August 3, 2016
This is a hard loss to take. Thanks for the memories @CerenDarwin ??? pic.twitter.com/OykVWt2kTZ
— Lisa Raymond (@Leeser444) August 3, 2016
These transfers confuse me and half of you seem happy and the other half angry so I don’t know how to feel! #OCSC
— Ditti (@Ditti33) August 3, 2016
Darwin hasn’t been good this season mind you. There’s something deeper behind this transfer tho.
— Lionheart (@TheLionsHeart) August 3, 2016
Seems like one of those “change of scenery” deals. Neither player seems like they were performing particularly well this season.
— Beefncheez (@Beefncheez712) August 3, 2016
@dvorlando @Orlando_CityUK very unexpected. Kreis obviously had eyes on replacing Winter quickly. International spot use will be interesting
— Andrew (@soclandrew) August 3, 2016
@CerenDarwin It has been a pleasure seeing you play. Thanks for your great effort and best wishes for much success in the future!
— Citizen David (@Drstrunk) August 3, 2016
Matias Perez Garcia becomes one of Orlando City’s higher wage players at 250k/yr. About 100k more per yr than Ceren. pic.twitter.com/vGlcgUKpsf
— City Soccer Talk (@CitySoccerTalk) August 3, 2016