Orlando City S. C has acquired USMNT Midfielder Sacha Kljestan and 150,000 in team allocated money and defender Tommy Redding and forward Carlos Rivas. Orlando City will retain a percentage of any future transfer of Rivas and Redding.
“We are thrilled to bring Sacha to Orlando,” Lions general manager Niki Budalic said. “His ability to see the field and make the final pass will be huge assets for us. But more than that – he’s a winner. He’s won everywhere he’s gone, and we look forward to that continuing here.”
Kljestan joins the Lions following three standout seasons in New York. Kljestan played 97 regular season games for the Red Bulls since 2015 and his 51 assists since then are the most in the league. Kljestan scored 16 MLS goals for New York, led the league in assists in 2017 (17) and 2016 (20), and led the Red Bulls to the 2015 Supporters’ Shield. He also scored two goals in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2016.
Kljestan was an MLS All-Star in 2016 and was selected to the 2008 All-Star team, but chose to play in the Olympics instead. Kljestan was selected to the MLS Best XI in 2008 and 2016. In his eight years in MLS, Kljestan has played in seven MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring two goals and four assists in 17 appearances.
Rivas was one of the Club’s first three Designated Player signings ahead of its inaugural MLS season in 2015. The Colombian recorded eight goals and 13 assists in 42 starts among 78 MLS appearances. Redding was the team’s first MLS signing in March 2014 at age 17. The Oviedo, Fla., native made 31 starts among 38 MLS appearances for Orlando City.
“I want to thank Carlos and Tommy for all they’ve done for our Club,” Budalic added. “I would also like to recognize Tommy for the five years he spent with our organization from USL to MLS, and Carlos as well for being with us since the inaugural season in 2015.”
