TRANSFER TRACKER: Signing
Orlando City SC have secured a major boost to their goalkeeping corps, as they’ve acquired Peru national teamer Pedro Gallese, the club announced on Friday
Gallese had been with Alianza Lima on loan from Liga MX side Veracruz, and has earned 57 caps with Peru. The 29-year-old began his professional career in his homeland, first with Universidad San Martin and then Club Juan Aurich.
“We are very excited to welcome Pedro to our roster. He is a proven goalkeeper at both the club and international levels with World Cup experience on his resume,” Orlando City executive VP of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi said in a statement. “His track record speaks for itself and we are thrilled to add his presence to our roster ahead of this season.”
By signing Gallese, Orlando now have three goalkeepers on their roster, with MLS veteran Brian Rowe and Homegrown Player Mason Stajduhar the others. This is the club’s fifth signing from South America of the offseason, with defenders Antonio Carlos and Rodrigo Schlegel, as well as midfielders Andres Perea and Junior Urso, already joining the club for 2020.
The signing continues a growing trend of Peru national team standouts entering the MLS ranks, with Seattle Sounders striker Raul Ruidiaz among the most prominent. Others are New York City FC center back Alexander Callens, Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Yordy Reyna, Portland Timbers winger Andy Polo and San Jose Earthquakes left back Marcos Lopez.
Most recently, D.C. United announced earlier this week they had signed Gallese's international teammate Edison Flores as their new creative midfielder.
Orlando are entering their first season under new head coach Oscar Pareja, and are still in search of their first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance since debuting as an expansion club in 2015. The Lions will begin their 2020 season Feb. 29 when hosting Real Salt Lake.
