Will Johnson makes Orlando City switch

If history is any indication, Orlando City SC will represent the Eastern Conference in the 2017 MLS Cup after the club announced Wednesday the signing of midfielder Will Johnson.

After his Portland Timbers and Toronto FC sides played in successive finals, Johnson, 29, moves to Orlando on a two-year deal with an option for a third.

"We are pleased to add Will to the team," Orlando general manager Niki Budalic offered. "He is a proven and accomplished MLS player that knows the league and (head coach Jason Kreis’) system very well from their time at Real Salt Lake. We are confident he will help the Club achieve its goals moving forward."

A 10-year veteran of North America's top flight and two-time MLS Cup winner, Johnson started 20 matches last season for his hometown TFC in a central midfield role, pairing two goals with five assists.

The three-time MLS All-Star and 2013 MLS Best XI honouree has played 212 MLS matches with the Chicago Fire, Real Salt Lake, Timbers, and TFC, bagging 29 goals and 22 assists.

Johnson has coupled success for club with country, making 41 appearances for Canada since his senior side debut in 2005 in a friendly against Luxembourg. He was awarded Canadian Men's Player of the Year in 2013 on the heels of a standout campaign skippering the Timbers.

With Darwin Ceren's move to the San Jose Earthquakes, Johnson should help fill that role while giving Kreis' lot some much needed experience ahead of its third MLS campaign.