Orlando City Acquires Striker Martin Paterson on Loan

The rumor we told you about 14 days ago has come to pass. Northern Ireland international striker Martin Paterson has officially joined Orlando City SC on loan, the club announced today. The length of Paterson's loan deal from Huddersfield Town was not specified in OCSC's press release, but presumably for the season, based on Head Coach Adrian Heath's quote.

"Martin is an experienced striker who will be a valuable asset for the team and our younger players in particular," said Heath in the club's release. "We're very pleased to have him with the Club for our first season in MLS."

Paterson scored five goals in 25 games with Huddersfield Town in 2013, but has been loaned to third tier sides Bristol City and Fleetwood Town this year, scoring one goal in 11 appearances. He had his Fleetwood Town loan cut short by injury.

Before joining Huddersfield Town, Paterson played 130 games with Burnley FC from 2008-2013, scoring 29 goals. He led the Clarets in scoring in his first season of 2008-09 with 19 goals in all competitions and helped Burnley reach the League Cup semifinals and earn promotion to the Premier League by defeating Sheffield United in a playoff at Wembley Stadium.

Previously, Paterson played 15 games with Stoke City from 2005-2007, scoring one goal. In 2006-07, he scored six goals in 15 games while on loan with Grimsby Town and then spent 2007-08 with Scunthorpe United, where he posted 13 goals in 40 games.

He has also featured for Northern Ireland's national team, scoring three international goals in 22 appearances.