Few players drew more criticism in 2016 than Antonio Nocerino. Yeah, that’s a fun way to come running into this, huh?
Orlando City’s big off-season acquisition — if you feel so inclined to tag him as that — came into the MLS with a bright spotlight on him due to controversy surrounding his arrival in Orlando. While D.C. United chased the Italian midfielder and held his discovery rights, the Lions reportedly committed tampered violations and negotiated with the midfielder. After settling with D.C., the Lions signed Nocerino.
Orlando City spent a lot of money for a player in a position where they didn’t really need any help and forced him into the lineup.