Michael Orozco Fiscal, Philadelphia Union Part Ways

Michael Orozco Fiscal came to the Philadelphia Union on loan looking like a player around whom a defense could be built. He was young (24), versatile (was capable as both a center back and fullback) and talented (he made 70 appearances with Mexican Primera side San Luis and had participated in numerous USMNT camps). Just one year later, the two sides have parted ways.

Early in the off-season, indications were they were close to a deal that would keep Orozco Fiscal in Philadelphia. But after reports came out that he was no longer training with the team, coach Petr Nowak confirmed that the Union had decided not to exercise their option to buy out the contract and allowed Orozco Fiscal to return to San Luis.

“If you know from the beginning that it was a one-year loan, (that’s the) end of story,” Nowak said in a conference call. “He’s back in Mexico and the stuff is already done. For me and our staff, it’s a very simple situation and we need to move forward with that.”

The decision appears to be one based on two things: money and playing time. There’s little question that buying out the deal would have been reasonably costly for the Union. But if Orozco Fiscal was really someone they saw as a longterm solution, it would seem to be a reasonable investment. With the signing of Colombian international Carlos Valdes likely meaning a move outside, and Nowak apparently liking the combination of Sheanon Williams and Jordan Harvey outside, Orozco Fiscal may not have earned a starting spot that would have justified his expense.

Still, the move does leave the Union a bit short-handed. They reportedly only have 22 players in camp, just five of whom are defenders. With about three weeks until First Kick, Nowak and the Union front office obviously have some work ahead of them.

If another MLS team were to want Orozco Fiscal, he would most likely go through allocation. Chivas USA currently occupies the top spot in the allocation order.