Five Goalkeepers Orlando City Could Target to Replace Tally Hall

Well, that escalated quickly.

Nine Orlando City players received their walking papers this week, but no move was more surprising than the club’s decision to part ways with veteran goalkeeper Tally Hall.

One of the first players the Lions acquired after joining MLS, the former All-Star was thought to be the club's goalkeeper of the future. But after a 2015 season in which Hall suffered his second knee injury in as many years, those plans have clearly been scrapped.

The Lions could go a couple different ways in goal next season, but here are some of the more attractive options. And let's assume that Tim Howard or Manuel Neuer aren't walking through that door.

1. Earl Edwards Jr. (Orlando City)

We've got to start with the in-house option, as there's certainly a chance that Orlando could stick with Edwards Jr. in goal next season. At the very least, he should be given a chance to compete for the starting job, which could free up some cash for the Lions to pursue other talent.

Orlando selected Edwards Jr. in the third round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, after a successful college career at UCLA. He made 61 appearances for the Bruins, finishing college with a goals against average (GAA) of just 1.07.

Despite a few non-league appearances for Orlando, Edwards Jr. hasn't gone through the rigors of a full MLS season. Should the Lions give him a chance next season?

2. Jaime Penedo (Unattached)

One of the bigger names on the MLS market this offseason, Penedo is available after a messy breakup with the LA Galaxy towards the end of the 2015 season.

Unhappy with his contract situation in Los Angeles, Penedo asked to released after the Gold Cup last summer, where he started for the Panamanian national team. He had been the Galaxy’s first choice keeper since 2013, posting 17 shutouts and a 1.09 GAA average in 54 MLS matches.

He could be an attractive option for Orlando, but the price tag would likely be steep. Penedo is clearly not willing to negotiate on contract terms, which could give the Lions pause before shelling out for a 34-year old goalkeeper.

3. Chris Seitz or Dan Kennedy (FC Dallas)

FC Dallas has two quality goalkeepers in Seitz and starter Dan Kennedy, leaving open the possibility of trade with the Lions, especially now that young Jesse Gonzalez has emerged as a playoff hero.

Seitz has made 34 appearances for Dallas and shown glimpses of potential in limited MLS action. In 2015, he went 4-2-1 and posted three shutouts as a second-choice keeper for Dallas. Kennedy, a former No. 1 with Chivas USA, made 16 starts for the Hoops in 2015, posting a 1.19 goals-against average.

Kennedy comes with a hefty contract — nearly twice what Seitz makes and almost four times the salary of Gonzalez — so it wouldn't be surprising if the club looked to offload some cash by making him (or Seitz) available. Seitz could be enticed by the chance to start for Orlando, an opportunity he's had only sparingly during his MLS career.

4. Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City)

If the Lions are looking for some youth at goalkeeper next season, a reunion with former loanee Jon Kempin could be in order.

The 22-year old American is out of contract with Sporting Kansas City, who loaned him to Orlando in 2013. Kempin has quietly developed into one of the more promising young keepers in MLS, being voted MVP of the Chipotle Homegrown Game and making several MLS appearances for Kansas City (including against Orlando last season).

In addition to several caps throughout the USMNT system, Kempin received his first senior team call-up earlier this year.

If the Lions are truly torn on whether or not to stick with Edwards Jr. next season, Kempin could be an intriguing second option to compete for the starting job.

5. Jack Butland (Stoke City)

If Orlando City is looking to go international in their quest for a starting goalkeeper next season, Butland is an option they might consider. But it would come at a price.

The 22-year old became the first choice keeper in Stoke this season, after he performed well during several loan spells throughout England. And he's got some uncanny connections to the Lions.

Butland's contract is owned by Stoke City, the former club of both Phil Rawlins and Adrian Heath. He was also linked to Orlando last off-season, before returning to his EPL club.

Still, it's difficult to see a path for Butland to Orlando, after he's begun to establish himself at Stoke and is close to becoming the number one keeper on England's national team. This would be a coup for Orlando City.