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Less than 48 hours after the Seattle Sounders announced that Osvaldo Alonso is no longer under contract with the club, two other MLS teams are reported to have interest in signing the veteran MLS midfielder. Sounder at Heart’s own Niko Moreno is reporting that Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati are potential suitors for the hard-tackling defensive mid.
Por el momento, únicamente https://t.co/l6YhAwhAes ha podido confirmar interés en adquirir al volante cubano por parte de Orlando SC y FC Cincinnati, el nuevo equipo de expansión. #Sounders
— Niko Moreno (@ELROLONW) November 21, 2018
Alonso makes sense for both Orlando City and FC Cincinnati as a potential anchor for two teams who are in the midst of major transitions this offseason. Orlando is rebuilding a team that finished last in the East in head coach James O’Connor’s first half-season with the club while FC Cincinnati is piecing together a roster from nearly scratch in preparation for their first season in MLS. Alonso could provide veteran leadership and defensive stability for both teams.
Orlando’s defense could especially use the extra bite that Alonso has become famous for over his illustrious career. The Lions broke the MLS record for goals conceded in 2018.
For the Sounders, signing Alonso to a new contract still remains a possibility, but the 2018 club captain will face a battle for minutes if he returns.
“It has to be a competition,” said head coach Brain Schmetzer when asked if Alonso is still a starter.