ORLANDO, Fla. (August 25, 2017) - Orlando City SC goalkeeper Josh Saunders will miss the remainder of the season with a cervical disc herniation. Saunders will undergo surgery on Monday.

Orlando City acquired the 36-year-old via trade on Jan. 27 from New York City FC, where he started 66 regular season matches in 2015 and 2016. Saunders played for current Lions head coach Jason Kreis at Real Salt Lake in 2013 and NYCFC in 2015. Saunders has been the backup for Joe Bendik in every MLS game this season and started City’s U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC on June 14.

The Grants Pass, Ore., native is a two-time MLS Cup Champion with the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. Saunders has made two senior international appearances for the Puerto Rico national team.

Saunders is one of four goalkeepers on the First Team roster, along with Bendik, Earl Edwards, Jr., and Homegrown Mason Stajduhar. Bendik has played every MLS minute in goal for Orlando City since the beginning of 2016.