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ORLANDO (Florida): John Rooney, a 21-year-old midfielder and younger brother of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, signed a contract on Thursday with Orlando City in the lowest level of US professional soccer.The deal, pending US Soccer Federation approval, would put Rooney in the third-division United Soccer League, two steps below Major League Soccer. Orlando City won the US Pro title last year, going 15-3 with six drawn.

"I've known John for a long time, from the early days in England," Orlando City coach Adrian Heath said. "We're delighted to have him.

He will be a really good piece for us."

After opening in the Everton youth system in England, Rooney made his pro debut with English League Two side Macclesfield Town at age 17, spending three seasons with the Silkmen and scoring three goals in 45 matches.

The Liverpool native joined the New York Red Bulls of MLS in 2011 and played in five MLS and two US Open Cup matches, netting his lone goal in a Cup match. - AFP