New York City FC ventured into the international market on Monday, announcing the acquisition of center back Andrés Mendoza.
The 25-year-old, nicknamed Belleza (Beauty), most recently played in Uruguay for Deportivo Maldonado this fall. Prior to 2014, he had played professionally in Ecuador, including three years with Quito-based Universidad Católica.
“Andrés is an exciting prospect; he’s young, strong in the air and very athletic," New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis said in a club statement. "He’s also a good passer, which will be a great benefit to us, as he can play the ball out of defense. He really ticks all the boxes that our coaching staff looks for in defenders. I’m confident he will reach his full potential playing in Major League Soccer and will make a positive impact on this league."
NYCFC's other defenders currently include MLS veterans Jeb Brovsky, Jason Hernandez, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Josh Williams and Chris Wingert, and they have the rights to out-of-contract George John.
"I've never played outside of South America before, so this is an exciting sporting and lifestyle change for me, and I’m very much looking forward to it," Escobar said in the club statement. "I can't wait to start getting to know the culture, the people and, most importantly, the fans in New York. I’m going to do everything I can to earn positive results for this club, and I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter in my career.”
