Orlando adds keeper Josh Saunders; Mix Diskerud also set to leave NYCFC

Goalkeeper Josh Saunders has found a new home in Orlando City after falling out of favor at New York City FC.

Saunders, 35, started every game for NYCFC last season until the regular season finale, andEirik Johansen was also preferred to start in the playoffs.

NYCFC also acquired former Chicago Fire keeper Sean Johnson, which allowed the club to let Saunders go in exchange for only afourth-round pick in the 2019 SuperDraft.

Saunders could compete for the starting role in Orlando with Joe Bendik, who started every game for the Lions last season.

"Josh is a veteran MLS goalkeeper that will add championship experience, leadership and depth to our side with 125 appearances in 11 years in the league," Lions general manager Niki Budalic said. "[Head coach] Jason Kreis is very familiar with Josh from his time in New York and Real Salt Lake and is looking forward to working with him again."

Orlando City acquires veteran goalkeeper Josh Saunders from NYCFC.

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- Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 27, 2017

The trade comes two days afterNYCFC coachPatrick Vieira said the club were looking to move both Saunders and U.S. international midfielder Mix Diskerud before the season begins.

"It was a priority for us as a club to work with Josh to find him a team that he wanted to go to and I'm really happy that we've managed to find that solution together,"Vieira said. "In the end, we reached a conclusion that suited both parties as he's going to Orlando which is a club he wanted to be at."

Finding a new club for Diskerud within MLS could prove more difficult, as the 26-year-old is on a contract that paid him $761,250 last season.

But he has not played in a competitive game since June and was not included in NYCFC's training camp squad this month.

When asked about Diskerud and Saunders' future earlier this week, Vieira told reporters: "Both players want to play and this is something that they will not be guaranteed at New York City.

"I give them an extra few weeks to try to find a solution, a solution that as a club we will be happy and the players will be happy, that all parts will be satisfied and we then we can move on."