Union lose Ribeiro in MLS expansion draft

The Union lost just one player, forward-midfielder Pedro Ribeiro, in the Major League Soccer expansion draft Wednesday. The 24-year-old Ribeiro was selected as the fourth pick by Orlando City SC.

He became the second player with Union roots to land in Orlando this week. On Monday, the Union traded midfielder-defender Amobi Okugo for allocation money and the second-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.

The 6-foot-4 Ribeiro made nine MLS appearances, including three starts, for the Union and scored two goals. Originally from Brazil, Ribeiro was a first-round pick (15th overall) from Coastal Carolina in the 2015 SuperDraft.

"We like his versatility and think he can play higher up the field for us," Orlando City general manager Paul McDonough said in a conference call.

McDonough also praised the 23-year-old Okugo, citing his experience from playing in 117 MLS games.

"He is young, and we really like him as a defensive midfielder," McDonough said.

The Union left their top two keepers, Rais Mbolhi and Zac MacMath, unprotected, and neither was selected. Their third keeper, Andre Blake, is a Generation Adidas player who was exempt from the draft.

It would be surprising if all three begin the season with the Union.