Both New York City FC and Orlando City SC picked up new international defenders on Monday, and each player bears an interesting moniker.
So who do you like better: Beauty of The Refrigerator?
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First, there’s NYCFC’s 25-year-old Ecuadorian back, Andres Mendoza. Most recently turning out for Uruguay’s Deportivo Maldonado, Mendoza has played for nine teams since 2006. He is Belleza, which translates to beauty.
“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.”
“Ticks the boxes” is really becoming the go-to personnel phrase of this offseason.
Meanwhile, Orlando City has filled its fifth International slot by signing Geladeira, or “The Refrigerator”. His name is Gustavo Silva Conceição, and he simply goes by Gustavo. At 28, he too has played for a bevy of clubs.
“We’re very pleased that Gustavo has joined the Club,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He’s a tough and willing defender who we believe will be a fantastic complement to our existing core.”
The veteran defender will occupy the Lions’ fifth international slot, providing additional experience to City’s backline which currently includes former MLS Cup MVP and All-Star Aurélien Collin, Tyler Turner, Tommy Redding, Rafael Ramos and Luke Boden.
Will either well-traveled back be a factor outside of this post on their nicknames? We’ll see come March and beyond. MLS season is creeping back and only a few months away.
