Not every MLS club has spent this week looking outside the league for help. Orlando City and the San Jose Earthquakes just proved that.
Both clubs announced on Wednesday evening that they have agreed to a trade that will see Darwin Ceren join the Earthquakes while Matias Perez Garcia heads to Orlando City. In addition, San Jose landed salary cap space to sign a season-ending injury replacement while Orlando received an international roster slot through the end of 2016.
The deal sees both midfielders join their second MLS clubs.
"I want to thank Matias for his service here. He was a model professional, who gave everything for the team and we wish him well in Orlando," said Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear in a statement released by the club. "We think Darwin is a good young player who is going to add bite to our midfield. Every time I saw him play for Orlando, I thought he would be a good fit for us and I'm glad we have had the opportunity to bring him here."
Added Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis in a separate statement: “Our club is very excited about bringing Matias into our camp. He has played at a very high level and has demonstrated his skill since joining MLS. Matias fits in nicely with our tactics and shape and will bolster our attack.”
Ceren, the 26-year-old captain of El Salvador's national team, made a combined 39 starts in 42 regular season appearances for Orlando City in 2015 and 2016. He had two goals and four assists with the Lions.
"We're looking forward to having Darwin join the team," said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle in the club's statement. "He is a young, versatile center midfielder that will make the team better."
The 31-year-old Garcia appeared in 47 games and got the nod 38 times for the Earthquakes since signing with the club in July 2014. The Argentinian Designated Player recorded three goals and nine assists during his time in San Jose.
Along with bringing over Garcia, Orlando City made another move late on Wednesday by acquiring the college-protected priority of Orlando City B midfielder Tony Rocha from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Rocha, 22, signed with Orlando City B in USL ahead of the 2016 season. He had previously spent two seasons with the Austin Aztex after being drafted by Sporting KC in the fourth round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
