Patrick McLain (Eau Claire Memorial) is now part of his third Major League Soccer team in as many months, but the 28-year-old's latest move brings him closer to home than he ever could have imagined while growing up in northern Wisconsin.
The goalkeeper was acquired by Minnesota United in a trade with Orlando City on Friday, a huge deal that featured Trinidad and Tobago international striker Kevin Molino going to the expansion side and $650,000 in allocation money going to Orlando City.
McLain was selected by Orlando City in Stage One of the MLS Re-Entry Draft in December. He made one appearance with the Chicago Fire and played one game on loan with Saint Louis FC in the USL last season, and previously played for the Sacramento Republic, Orange County Blues and defunct MLS club Chivas USA.
Minnesota United signed veteran Swedish goalkeeper John Alvbåge on loan from IFK Göteborg, and the 34-year-old is expected to be the Loons' starting keeper, according to media reports. He's made more than 400 appearances in his 17-year club career and earned four caps for Sweden between 2006 and '09.
Charlie Lyon (Marquette), who spent the past two seasons with the Seattle Sounders 2 in USL, also has been in camp on trial with Minnesota United in Arizona.
On Twitter: @PatrickMcLain24