Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City Soccer Club is proud to announce the signing of American defender Jack Traynor to a multi-year contract, pending US Soccer Federation approval.
“Jack played very well against my teams the last two years,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He can also play a multitude of positions – full back, midfield – you can’t have enough of his type of player on your squad. I’m very pleased to have him on board.”
After four years at the University of Notre Dame, Traynor began his professional career in 2009 after he was drafted in the second round by Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls. After being released by New York, Traynor went on trial with Aalesunds FK in Norway, but returned to the U.S. to sign with Miami FC of the USL First Division. He made 20 appearances for Miami during the 2009 season. Traynor signed with his hometown AC St. Louis for the 2010 season. He played in 26 games for the club.
“I’m excited to be here,” said Traynor. “I’ve seen the quality of the coaching and the system for the last two years [playing against Heath’s Austin Aztex], so was a really easy decision to come and play for him. We’ve had a great preseason so far, and I’m excited for the season to start.”
Traynor has seen action in all four of Orlando City’s preseason matches. He started all four matches, three at left back and one on the left side of midfield. Traynor displayed his versatility against Toronto FC when he moved from left back to left midfield after Jamie Watson suffered a shoulder injury and had to leave the game.