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There was another Orlando City SC roster cut today as Harrison Heath was traded to 2017 MLS expansion side and cross-state rivals Atlanta United.
Taking place as part of Major League Soccer’s half-day trade window (2pm to 5pm), Orlando City SC have received Atlanta United’s fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft in return.
Playing under his father and City legend Adrian Heath since the club’s USL days in 2014, the 20-year-old’s exit means Orlando City SC‘s British influence is diminishing.
With fellow English stars Luke Boden and Seb Hines both suffering initial cuts from Orlando City SC‘s 2016 roster last month, Lions fans now wait to see who Jason Kreis will bring in ahead of the 2017 campaign.
This week will certainly be interesting with the Expansion Draft protected player list and eligible free agents lists released tomorrow, not to mention stage one of the Re-Entry Draft taking place on Friday (December 16th).
With Kevin Alston becoming Orlando City SC’s first off-season arrival in that particular draft last term, we could well be talking about a new Lions first team star before too long.
As for Harrison Heath‘s exit, the midfielder departs Central Florida having made a total of six Major League Soccer appearances for Orlando City SC since 2014.
I can’t help but remember when interim head coach Bobby Murphy made the decision to start him against Houston Dynamo at Camping World Stadium back in July.
Starting the game in strange circumstances only TWO days after the dismissal of his father Adrian Heath, Harrison Heath put in an admirable shift for the Lions that night in a rare scoreless draw.
So ahead of the 2017 Major League Soccer campaign, expansion sides Atlanta United and Minnesota United will both boast a Heath of their own.
Orlando City UK would like to take this moment to thank H for all his contributions with Orlando City SC!
Is trading Harrison Heath a good or bad move by Orlando City SC?
Let us know in our latest @Orlando_CityUK poll now!
What are we all making of Harrison Heath’s trade to @ATLUTD in return for a fourth round pick in the 2019 #MLS SuperDraft!? ??#OCSC #MLS
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) December 11, 2016