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| OSJ Staff Photo |
By Mike Gramajo
Like all things, good things must come to an end.
Fan favorite Jamie Watson won’t be part of Orlando City SC’s MLS plans, which has resulted into the club transferring the midfielder to Minnesota United FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Thursday.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jamie,” OCSC head coach Adrian Heath said in a statement. “I couldn’t give him the kind of assurance that he is looking for on playing time in the coming season. It’s a sad day but it’s one of those decisions that has been made for all the right reasons. As an organization, we have to make the right decisions for both players and the club.”
Watson and Minnesota aren’t all that new, he last played for the club during their time as the Minnesota Stars FC as a loanee from Orlando City after the 2012 season, which saw guide the Stars to a Soccer Bowl appearance.
He will also work under Minnesota manager Manny Lagos, who also coached Watson during his time in Minnesota and helped MUFC stay in the middle of the NASL spring table in 2013.
“This is a very good opportunity for Jamie and we didn’t feel as though we could stand in his way,” added heath.
Signs of Watson exiting the club appeared on Wednesday night, after he wasn’t named to the game day roster. Other key components to the exit, the amount of depth in the midfield, which are currently occupied by OCSC’s three MLS signings; Yordany Alvarez, Kevin Molino and Darwin Ceren. Adama Mbengue and Austin da Luz also fill up the midfield position.
Overall, the former Real Salt Lake man finished with 61 appearances while scoring 23 goals for the Purple Kits.
"The six years I've spent with this organization have been fantastic," Watson said in a press release. "Words can't begin to describe how special the fans, my teammates, the coaches, and the front office have been to me.”
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What do you think of this move? Sad to see Watson depart Orlando? What's your favorite moment of him as a Lion?
Share your thoughts below.
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