On Aug. 16, 2018, Orlando City announced the loan of center back and defensive midfielder Carlos Ascues from Alianza Lima for the remainder of 2018. The loan, which included an option for an additional 12 months, was the final transfer made by the Lions in a very quiet secondary transfer window, and quite possibly the one that made the most impact. Considering the team’s need for depth at left back and wing, as well as the dire need for a secondary striker and to recover from the Justin Meram debacle, many wondered how another defensive midfielder would help a team already seemingly stacked with defensive midfielders.
2018 Orlando City Season in Review: Carlos Ascues
