Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC has announced the acquisition of defender Abdi Salim on loan from Orlando City SC, a Major League Soccer team. Salim's collegiate career began at Buffalo State University in 2019, where he led the team in minutes played and earned Rookie of the Year for the State University of New York Athletic Conference, along with Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Following his successful season at Buffalo State, Salim transferred to Syracuse University within the Atlantic Coast Conference. He started eight games before suffering a torn ACL in February 2021, after a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Salim returned for the 2022 season and was instrumental in Syracuse's victories in the ACC Regular Season, ACC Tournament, and NCAA Division I Tournament—the first national title in Syracuse’s history.

In 2023, Orlando City SC selected Salim in the First Round of the MLS SuperDraft as the 17th overall pick.

Salim made his debut for Detroit City FC on June 22 against Pumas UNAM from Mexico’s Liga MX, scoring the match-winning goal in the 54th minute.

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