New York City FC confirmed on on Saturday the loan acquisition of Stiven Mendoza from Brazilian side Corinthians until the end of the 2016 season with an option to make the deal permanent. The Colombian striker has received his P1 visa and is eligible for selection for the club's opening home game against Toronto FC, at the Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Earlier, on March 8, the Brazilian club had > confirmed the transaction between the clubs.
Mendoza, a 23 year-old Colombian attacker, spent a season on loan with Indian Super League champion Chennaiyin FC, where he was instrumental in the club's victorious campaign that saw him secure the Golden Boot (13 goals) and the Hero of the League award.
Prior to his stellar season in the ISL, Mendoza made 25 appearances for Corinthians, scoring four goals and helping it finish the season as national champions. He started his professional career in his native Colombia, making over 80 first team appearances during spells at Envigado, America Cali, Cucuta Deportivo, and boyhood club Deportivo Cali from 2010 to 2014.
“Everyone kept telling me that it’s a team that is forming and coming together really well.” Mendoza told NYCFC.com. “Patrick Vieira is someone who wants to win. I’ve talked with the Head Coach and I am very excited by the confidence he has in me.”
Head Coach Patrick Vieira said: “First of all, Mendoza brings additional pace up front and is really good in the 1v1 situations. Technically he’s a fantastic player and can score goals. He’s another young talented player that we add to our roster and he will be really important for us this season. ”
Comments
SHARE