Rivas in the Orlando colors
Orlando City announced three new player acquisitions today as Colombians Carlos Rivas and Cristian Higuita, and Ulsterman Martin Paterson have joined the club.
Rivas is an attacking midfielder about whom head coach Adrian “Inchy” Heath said:
“We’ve had our eyes on Carlos for quite some time now. He ticks a lot of the boxes that we look for in players, and we believe that he’s an exciting midfielder who will certainly contribute for us moving forward.”
“Martin is an experienced striker who will be a valuable asset for the team and our younger players in particular.“We’re very pleased to have him with the Club for our first season in MLS.”
Rivas, 20, joins the Lions after spending the previous three seasons in the Colombian first division – Categoria Primera A – with powerhouse Deportivo Cali. In 2014, Rivas enjoyed his most successful professional season with Deportivo – scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances in the highly competitive Colombian league.
Additionally, Rivas added three goals in major South American competitions – the Copa Sudamericana (2) and the Copa Libertadores (1) – leading the team with 15 goals in all competitions. The Colombian’s 2014 honors also include a Superliga title with Deportivo Cali.
Prior to starring with Cali, Rivas made his professional debut at 16 years of age with top-flight Colombian side Once Caldas.
Paterson has 22 caps for Northern Ireland. Courtesy of Orlando City SC
Martin Paterson, 27, comes on loan from Huddersfield Town in West Yorkshire though has been on loan to Fleetwood recently.
He joins the Lions after appearing in over 200 matches in various leagues in England for clubs such as Stoke City, Burnley and Huddersfield Town. Additionally, Paterson is currently a member of the Northern Ireland National Team, earning 22 caps and three goals at the senior level.
The striker began his professional career in 2005 with Stoke City in the English Championship – making his debut in a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle after ascending through the club’s academy program. Paterson appeared 15 times for the Potters in two seasons before making stops at Grimbsy Town and Scunthorpe United.
In 2008, Paterson joined Burnley where he underwent the most successful period of his career. In five seasons with Burnley, the forward made 130 appearances – featuring 23 times in the English Premier League during the 2009-10 season – and scored 29 goals.
Paterson joined Championship side Huddersfield Town in 2013, scoring five goals in 25 appearances before being loaned to Briston City and, most recently, Fleetwood Town.
Shortly after Rivas and Paterson were announced, the club released news that a young Colombian defensive midfielder has also been added.
Cristian Higuita has been a constant within Colombia’s youth ranks – featuring for the U-17 and U-20 teams. His most recent appearance with the Colombian U-20’s occurred in June 2013. During that same year, the midfielder also won the Sudamerican U-20 tournament with his native country.
“We’re delighted that Cristian is joining us for the 2015 season,” said Heath. “He’s another young player who we think has a tremendous upside, and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
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