Irish center back Shane O’Neill was the first of Orlando City’s two acquisitions during the summer transfer window in an attempt to shore up one of the worst defenses in MLS history. The former Colorado Rapids Homegrown — signed after a few unsuccessful attempts to earn his way in Europe — continued to carry a Homegrown designation upon his return to Major League Soccer, providing the Lions with some salary cap relief as well as new blood on the back line.
O’Neill’s arrival, along with Peruvian Carlos Ascues, didn’t do much to stem the tide of goals, however, and OCSC set a new record high in goals conceded in a single season.