Orlando City made a long-expected roster move late Friday night, waiving young designated player Bryan Róchez.
The club announced months ago Róchez would not be part of the team this season, and there was an ongoing effort to find another option for him.
Róchez, 22, was claimed off waivers by expansion side Atlanta United FC, whose director of soccer operations is former Lions general manager Paul McDonough. Atlanta claimed him for the league’s reserve minimum salary charge, which is $53,000 this season. Orlando City SC will retain the rest of his 2017 budget charge, which should be about $206,500 based on 2017 MLS roster rules which designate a $147,000 budget charge for DPs ages 21-23.