goalkeeper Josh Saunders will undergo surgery Monday for a cervical disc herniation, ending his 2017 season with the Lions.
Saunders, the team’s primary back up to starting keeper Joe Bendik, struggled with chronic pain in his neck on and off all year, which continued to get worse, according to a spokesman for the club.
Saunders’ only playing time came in a U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC on June 14 and in an Orlando City B match.
He is one of four goalkeepers on the Lions’ Major League Soccer roster.
The others are Bendik, who has played every MSL minute this season, OCB starter Earl Edwards Jr.