Outbound Jonathan Spector posts thank-you message to Orlando City SC, fans

Jonathan Spector - salutes fans - Higuita and Toia

After seeing his contract option declined earlier this week, center back Jonathan Spector has taken to Instagram to thank Orlando City SC for the former US national team contributor's two-year tenure at the club.

Spector could've theoretically returned to Orlando City on a new deal with different terms than his contract option, but that seems unlikely after a season of struggle for the Lions overall and for Spector individually.


After a promising start, Orlando won just two of its final 25 games to crash out of playoff contention. After seeing coach Jason Kreis fired earlier this season, the club dismissed GM Niki Budalic earlier this week.


Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Spector made only 13 appearances ā€” all starts ā€” in a campaign hampered by injuries.


Spector arrived in Orlando from Birmingham City in the League Championship, England's second tier. He made his full pro debut as a teenager for Manchester United after coming through the storied club's youth system, and saw most of his Premier League minutes during a five-year spell at West Ham United.