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MLS Ticker: Aja injury update, Red Bulls loan Abang, and more

Photo by Kim Klement/USA Today Sports

Injuries were a common theme last weekend in MLS, and Orlando City is the latest team to suffer.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, defender Jose Aja will miss two to four weeks with a hamstring injury, which he picked up against the Columbus Crew last Saturday.

Aja is the third injured Orlando player already this season. Kaka is also out with a hamstring problem and fellow defender Seb Hines hurt his knee.

Tommy Redding replaced Aja in the game against the Crew, and he’s likely the one tipped to replace the defender in the Lions’ back line until he returns.

Red Bulls loan Anatole Abang to Finnish club SJK Seinajoki

Anatole Abang is headed to Finland.

The New York Red Bulls announced that they have loaned their 20-year-old forward to Finnish club SJK Seinajoki until July 15. Seinajoki has an option to extend the deal until 2018.

Abang was on loan in Denmark with Hobro, but the contract has since been terminated.

The Cameroonian burst onto the scene for the Red Bulls in 2015, scoring four goals in 17 appearances as a teenager. However, his minutes decreased last year and was sent out on loan as a result.

Union announce loan of Eric Ayuk to Sweden’s Jonkopings Sodra IF

Another youngster is off to Scandinavia for a loan spell as well.

The Philadelphia Union have officially loaned Eric Ayuk to recently promoted Jonkopings Sodra IF in Sweden’s first division.

“This move is a terrific opportunity for Eric to receive valuable first team playing time, and at a high level in Sweden’s topflight,” said Union sporting director Earnie Stewart. “We believe in Eric’s talent and the experience he will gain in the Allsvenskan will be helpful for his development.”

Ayuk, 20, is contracted to the Union until 2018. The midfielder has played in 29 games for Philadelphia, recording two goals and two assists in the process.

Toronto FC signs goalkeeper Mark Pais from Toronto FC II

With Clint Irwin injured, Toronto FC has bolstered its goalkeeping depth.

The club announced that Mark Pais has signed a first-team contract. Pais will serve as Alex Bono’s backup while Irwin recovers from his hamstring strain. He has been ruled out for four to five weeks.

Pais, 25, signed with Toronto FC II in early March. He played in two matches for TFC’s USL affiliate before signing the deal with the first team.

Union to face Premier League side Swansea City in friendly

Swansea City is coming to Chester this summer.

The Philadelphia Union announced on Tuesday that they will play Premier League club Swansea City on July 15 at Talen Energy Stadium in an international friendly.

Philadelphia faces Sporting Kansas City on the road on July 6 before returning home for the friendly. The Union will then play four games in 10 days, beginning on July 19 against the Columbus Crew at MAPFRE Stadium.

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