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U.S. defender Jonathan Spector joins Orlando City after Birmingham exit

United States defender Jonathan Spector has signed with Orlando City after completing his exit from Birmingham City.

The move to Major League Soccer is a first for the 30-year-old Spector, who signed a two-year contract with the Lions with a club option for the next two years, a league source told ESPN FC.

Spector will make about $575,000 in his first season and $600,000 in his second, the source said.

He has been with Birmingham since joining from West Ham in 2011 after starting his professional career with Manchester United in 2003.

"We are thrilled to add a player of Jonathan's pedigree to our roster," Lions CEO Alex Leitao said. "We are very confident Jonathan will fit nicely into our camp and provide veteran leadership in the back."

Orlando did not reveal terms of the transfer, though Birmingham coach Gianfranco Zola had said that the English Championship club would allow Spector to leave with six months remaining on his contract.

Spector has made 36 appearances with the U.S. national team and was on the 2010 World Cup squad.

"It's no secret we have been looking for another defender," Orlando general nanager Niki Budalic said. "Jonathan brings the leadership and character we've been looking for. His experience will be a valuable asset to build a competitive squad."

ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle contributed to this report.