On Wednesday, Orlando City acquired Argentinian midfielder Matías Pérez García from the San Jose Earthquakes. García has a strong history as an attacking midfielder, scoring two goals and earning seven assists last season with San Jose. Head Coach Jason Kreis is hoping that this will give Orlando City the competitive edge that could make them one of the best offensive sides in the game.
“For me it takes us from being a very, very good attacking squad to I think arguably one of the best in the league now,” Kreis said after training on Friday. “The competition now at those positions is going to be very fierce to see who starts in the matches, who comes off the bench, who is involved in the team on a weekly basis.”
García has an excellent soccer history that stretches beyond the MLS. While he has spent the last three seasons with San Jose, he played at the club level in both Argentina and Chile before that. He also made appearances for the Argentina U-17 and U-20 national teams, scoring two goals in fourteen appearances.
Kreis had high praise for his new midfielder, who he believes will be a difference maker on the field. “Very creative soccer mind,” Kreis said. “Makes excellent decisions in the final third of the field. Strikes a very good ball. Dead ball delivery, crossing, shooting the ball… he does very very well with his left foot.”
Kreis even compared García to Kaká, noting that he may be an option to replace the star captain in the starting lineup if Kaká is unavailable.
Orlando City won’t have to wait to take advantage of the skills of the Argentinian midfielder. “He’s available right away,” Kreis said. “And in consideration to be in the 18 or in the starting lineup on Sunday.”
Orlando City will face the Seattle Sounders this Sunday, August 7th, and will be looking to build on their success after a 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution last week. The match will start at 7:00pm at Camping World Stadium.
