Orlando City Loans Goalkeeper Josh Ford to Fort Lauderdale Strikers of NASL

Orlando City’s crowded goalkeeping situation just got a little better—for a short time, anyway. The club announced today that Josh Ford has been loaned to the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers until Thursday, June 18.

The move will allow Ford to potentially get some game minutes, with the Strikers having games coming up against San Antonio Scorpions tomorrow on the road, as well as home vs. Indy 11 on June 6, and at Minnesota United on June 13.

"With the veteran goalkeepers that we have, it's been difficult for Josh to get regular playing time, so this is a good opportunity for him to go and get some important minutes at a high level," said head coach Adrian Heath in a club press release.

What does this mean for Orlando City?

Well, the 27-year-old Liverpool, NY, native has not appeared in a game with the Lions yet this season and didn’t even see time in the Ponte Preta friendly. It seems clear that Ford isn’t in the club’s current plans for game time, with the recovery of starter Tally Hall and the emergence of 2015 SuperDraft pick Earl Edwards Jr. Ford wasn’t even in the 18 when Hall was out, as Heath instead chose to dress Edwards as his backup keeper behind current backup Donovan Ricketts.

Ford was Orlando City’s 20^th selection in the second stage of the 2014 MLS Re-Entry Draft earlier this year. Ford spent four seasons with the Seattle Sounders before being acquired by the Lions, but did not see first team time there either. He had a loan spell with the Orange County Blues, making his pro debut in 2014 against Oklahoma City Energy FC, winning 1-0 and assisting on the goal.

At the University of Connecticut, Ford set school records for shutouts (50), consecutive starts (85) and wins (54) during his four-year collegiate career. He was a first team All-Big East selection in 2010, as well as the Big East Goalkeeper of the Year.