Orlando City Officially Announces Seb Hines Acquisition on Loan from Middlesbrough

Orlando City SC has officially added defender Seb Hines to the 2015 roster. The club officially announced the long-expected loan move from Middlesbrough today. Much like Eric Avila’s deal, Hines’s loan deal is for the 2015 MLS season and comes with an offer to extend.

The addition of a veteran like Hines — who doesn't require an international slot due to his father being a U.S. citizen — bolsters a vulnerable back line that has lacked depth and made mistakes during this 2015 preseason slate of games.

"We're very pleased to have Seb join us," said Head Coach Adrian Heath in a club press release. "His experience will be very valuable for our team's competitive position in our first MLS season. We look forward to start working with him."

A 6-foot-2 native of Wetherby, England, Hines spent the first half of the 2014 season on loan with League One side Coventry, where he appeared in nine matches. He has made more than 80 appearances in England at the Premier League, Championship and League One levels, with such clubs as Middlesbrough, Derby County, Oldham Athletic, and Coventry.

A goal scorer in his first action with Orlando City against Swedish side BK Hacken, Hines also has international experience for England at the U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels.

The addition of Hines not only adds depth in an area of need, but the veteran will also be able to provide mentoring for Orlando City's young center backs, Conor Donovan and Tommy Redding.