The Philadelphia Union bolstered their roster for the team’s upcoming first kick by adding a top defender. Philadelphia’s new MLS team added U-23 U.S. National Team defender Michael Orozco to the squad Friday.
Orozco is on loan from Mexican First Division team San Luis FC, where he spent the past three years.
“We are happy to have Michael join us,” said Team Manager Peter Nowak. “We hope to have him as an anchor at the back of our defense for a long time to come."
The new Union defender started in 28 games and scored four goals for San Luis FC last season. He and new Union teammate Chris Seitz also helped the U.S. U-23 team qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
“This is a great acquisition for Philadelphia Union, and for MLS as a whole,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. “For him to want to continue his career with Philadelphia Union is a very powerful statement about us and MLS.”
The signing was made possible thanks to the allocation money included in a pre-Draft deal with Red Bull New York.
The Union’s first game is on March 25 in Seattle against the Seattle Sounders FC. The team’s home opener is April 10 against D.C. United at Lincoln Financial Field.
