San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre loaned to USL PRO side Orlando City SC

The Orlando City SC announced today that they have agreed a deal with the San Jose Earthquakes that sends Quakes’ midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre on loan to Orlando from June 6 to June 18. During the course of the short-term loan, Orlando City hosts a pair of USL PRO league matches, which will give Alexandre a chance to earn some competitive minutes. He reportedly began training with the Lions this morning ahead of their June 9 match against the Charleston Battery.

Alexandre was acquired by the Earthquakes in December 2011 from Real Salt Lake for San Jose’s first pick in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft. The fourth-year MLS professional and Haitian international has yet to see a minute of league action for the Earthquakes, but he has started and finished both of the team’s 2012 U.S. Open Cup matches. Alexandre also scored the Earthquakes lone goal in their MLS Reserve League season opening 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.

The Earthquakes are currently in a two week break in their schedule, so the opportunity for Alexandre to secure playing time via a loan deal makes sense for both player and club. When the Earthquakes resume their schedule, they face a potentially grueling calendar that could include 10 matches in 33 days starting on June 20. Having the defensive midfielder gain additional match fitness while with Orlando should help Alexandre if he is called to play in some of those matches.