ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando City SC announced Tuesday that the team has signed Midfielder Jean Alexandre in preparation of Saturday’s I4 Derby presented by United World Soccer at Fifth Third Bank field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, pending USSF approval. Alexandre, who was on loan from San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Lions during the 2012 season, solidifies Orlando’s midfield heading into Saturday’s match vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies.

“I’ve always enjoyed my time on loan here (in Orlando),” said Alexandre. “Hopefully I can continue to bring a high work rate and continue to play my best for the club.”

Alexandre was recently on trial with Football League Championship’s Bolton Wanderers, impressing many during his time in England. He re-joins the Lions after loan spans during the 2012 season, leaving an imprint on coaches and fans alike in Central Florida with his physical style of play and energy on the pitch.

Alexandre was originally drafted by Real Salt Lake as the 12th pick (first round) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He made 38 appearances over three seasons with Real Salt Lake, scoring for the first time in 2011 against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He was then traded to San Jose after the 2011 season. The midfielder appeared in two matches during his time with San Jose, coming off the bench in a supporting role for the Earthquakes in 2012.

The Haitian international has earned 19 caps for the Haiti national team, scoring twice. Alexandre scored his two international goals back on September 2, 2011, against the U.S. Virgin Islands in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Alexandre is familiar to the state of Florida, having a successful collegiate career in the state with Lynn University of Boca Raton, Fla. He scored 34 goals while providing 16 assists in 69 games played at Lynn, helping the Fighting Knights to four consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

Tickets are still available for the home leg of the I4 Derby presented by United World Soccer this Saturday. Fans can call 855-ORL-CITY or visit orlandocitysoccer.com to grab their seats today.