Orlando City Releases Midfielder Adrian Winter for “Family Reasons”

According to a story out of the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando City has parted ways with popular midfielder Adrian Winter. Per Alicia DelGallo’s story, the move was termed by a club spokesman as a “mutual termination” and was done for family reasons for the midfielder. Due to the move being mutually terminated, there are no financial obligations from either side.

Winter joined Orlando City on July 29, 2015 from Swiss side FC Luzern. Lining up on the left side of the Lions midfield with Kaka and Kevin Molino, Winter became a mainstay in a position that had been troublesome for the team. That spot is expected to be filled by Carlos Rivas unless the club picks up another left-sided midfielder. Alternately, Brek Shea can also fill that position.

Soon after arriving, the 29-year-old Winter quickly became a regular starter for Orlando City, known for his tireless work rate. In his year-long stint with the club, the midfielder started 19 of his 22 league appearances playing 1,575 minutes and recording five goals and three assists.

This season, Winter ranked third on the club in goals (3), fifth in assists (1), seventh in minutes (975), fifth in starts (11), and sixth in appearances (12). Only Joe Bendik, Cyle Larin, Seb Hines, and Brek Shea started more games for the Lions in 2016. His most recent goal came Saturday in Orlando City’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC.

The midfielder reportedly said his goodbyes to his teammates Friday morning and will be joining a Swiss side in the coming weeks. The departure will open up an international slot for Orlando City, with the summer transfer window opening Monday.

We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.