Three biggest offseason moves by Orlando City this year

Bringing back Mauricio Pereyra on a non-DP contract

Mauricio Pereyra is one of the most important figures at Orlando City. The 32-year-old attacking midfielder has waned physically with age, but the skillful Uruguayan is still a key piece in how Orlando wants to play soccer.

The club was able to bring back its captain on a new, non-Designated Player contract. This move was massive for two reasons.

1. The club got to keep its most important leader and one of its most experienced and technically gifted players.
2. It opened the door to sign a new DP thanks to Pereyra's new roster designation.

With that flexibility, Orlando got to have its cake and eat it too. And what it used that third DP spot for is even more exciting that keeping an elite midfielder and strong captain.