The Philadelphia Union have acquired winger Walter Restrepo from the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League (NASL) for an undisclosed transfer fee, the team announced Tuesday. In addition, midfielder Michael Lahoud will join the Cosmos on loan for the duration of the 2016 season.
Per league and club policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Restrepo, 27, is a dual citizen of the United States and Colombia. He played professionally in Colombia from 2006-11 before joining the NASL’s Fort Laudedale Strikers in July 2011. He then played for the San Antonio Scorpions in 2014 and the Cosmos in 2015.
“Part of our ongoing assessment has been to build quality depth in certain areas and we strongly believe Walter can give us the kind of speed and attacking ability on the wing that we’re looking for,” Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said in a statement provided by the team. “We know Michael will represent our club in a professional manner and we wish him the best of luck on a successful season.”
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Restrepo has earned two NASL Best XI nods during his time in the league. The first came after a six-goal, eight-assist season for the Strikers in 2012 and the second came during his year with the Scorpions, when he scored three goals and added four assists.
Lahoud, 29, was acquired from Chivas USA in May 2012. He has played 58 games for the club, with 40 starts, and had one assist.
