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While many were sceptical whether Orlando City SC would actually take advantage of Major League Soccer’s half-day trade window that opened for four hours yesterday, there’s already a new man in the building for 2019 – Tesho Akindele.
Orlando City SC announced the signing of the 26-year-old Canadian international forward from FC Dallas yesterday in exchange for $100,000 of Targeted Allocation Money in 2019 and $50,000 of General Allocation Money in 2020.
NEWS: Orlando City SC Acquires Forward Tesho Akindele From FC Dallas.
📰 https://t.co/J4YTu3RgDf#VamosOrlando
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 9, 2018
On the day where the Lions also said goodbye to defender PC who was traded to Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for the Caps’ natural third round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, there was optimism among the Orlando City SC faithful.
Desperately lacking depth in the centre forward position in 2018, Jason Kreis and then James O’Connor were desperately short of out-and-out strikers beyond first choice Dom Dwyer.
Aside from Stéfano Pinho, Orlando City SC were forced to select either Josué Colmán or Chris Mueller as false nines when Dwyer was absent.
With Tesho Akindele now on board however, Orlando City SC have another striking option with the 6 ft 1 in forward also capable of playing on the left and right wings.
Hardly a prolific striker with 24 goals in 133 MLS appearances for FC Dallas, the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year is widely viewed by Lions supporters as a strong attacking option from the substitutes’ bench.
Considering Orlando City SC‘s next highest goalscorer after Dom Dwyer (13 goals) was Sacha Kljestan with six goals this year, the recruitment of Akindele – who wears the name ‘Tesho’ on his jersey – adds much-needed firepower ahead of 2019.
See you soon @OrlandoCitySC. I’m excited for the next chapter in my career and can’t wait to meet all the fans! #VamosOrlando
— Tesho Akindele (@Tesho13) December 9, 2018
Here’s what #OCTwitter were making of the news following Tesho Akindele‘s arrival.
Good deal he can fit in as a RW and work with Mueller
— John Mack (@DisneyCityFC) December 9, 2018
Good move for Orlando considering how Tesho can play forward or either wing.
— Jim Barringer (@jmb783) December 9, 2018
Cool, I guess. But let’s get results first. We signed names the past four years and in the long term, have failed to deliver. Let’s get the wins before celebrating.
— RAG (@princerathecat) December 9, 2018
2⚽️14 MLS Rookie of the Year will be wearing purple in 2💜19. #VamosOrlando
— J.T. 🇬🇷🗣🎙 (@JTSOUNDSOFF) December 9, 2018
Really liked him at FCD as a person. Not the best goal scorer though lol
— Aaroñ (@AECWPN) December 9, 2018
Welcome to #OCSC 💜 can’t wait to see you kill it on the pitch next season #neverhuntalone
— natasha wirbel (@NWirbel) December 9, 2018
Welcome!! Happy to have you. You will be spoiled playing in front of The Wall!!
— What’chu Talkin’ ‘Bout Willis? (@Lejuanna) December 9, 2018
Welcome Home Tesho.. can’t wait to see what you bring to the club.
— Chris (@OrlandoCountySC) December 9, 2018
Cool that you already changed your profile to say you are playing for us! Little thing but it means a lot that you are excited to be here. Welcome!
— Kevin Mitchell Mercer (@KevinIsHistory) December 10, 2018
Work Hard. Never Give UP. Play for the badge and the supporters will sing your name. They are relentless… if you don’t give a 100% like they do you will hear it. Good Luck…. welcome to Orlando!
— bgsugk30 (@bgsugk30) December 10, 2018
This can not be happening 😟😥 I am happy for you Tesho! Looks like I have a new reason to travel to Florida! #letsgotesho #teshosbiggestfcdallasfan
— twomuchsoccer ❤🐶⚽ (@tweetsrpublic) December 9, 2018
Welcome to @OrlandoCitySC. Give your 100 and we will support you 100!
— Ryan Marlatt (@ryan_marlatt) December 10, 2018
I’m sure you’ll look great in purple. Welcome to Orlando we sure can use some more goal scoring. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
— MTBH (@MaureenHaynes17) December 9, 2018