Orlando City B Signs Midfielder Danny Deakin

In expected news, Orlando City B has signed midfielder Danny Deakin to a USL contract, just days after the MLS club waived its third-round selection in the 2017 SuperDraft in order to free up an international slot.

Deakin previously signed an MLS contract on March 3 and was subsequently loaned to OCB on March 24. The native of England started one game in his three appearances with Orlando City B so far.

“We’re really happy Danny will be joining us full-time.” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said in a club press release. “Being with us will give him an opportunity to earn more playing time and continue his development.”

Deakin, 23, played 20 matches in 2016 with the University of South Carolina, recording seven goals and six assists for the Gamecocks — finishing second on the team in goals and first in assists. For his performance, he was named First Team All-Conference USA for the second straight season. He spent part of the season with the National Premier Soccer League’s Detroit City FC, where he scored one goal and had two assists over nine matches.

In 2015, the midfielder/forward started all 21 matches and scored 11 goals with South Carolina. He also amassed a handful of honors, as First-Team All-Conference USA, First-Team NSCAA All-Southeast Region, C-USA Academic Honor Roll, and 2015 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.