Orlando City Soccer Club announced Monday the acquisition of Colombian midfielder Carlos Rivas, strengthening City’s attacking core heading into the Club’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Per Club and league policy, additional terms were not disclosed.

“We’ve had our eyes on Carlos for quite some time now,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “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.”

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.

Transaction: Orlando City SC Signs Carlos Augusto Rivas

Name: Carlos Augusto Rivas (Carlos Ree-vas)

Date of Birth: 04/15/1994

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 150 lbs.

Birthplace: Jamundi, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Twitter: N/A

 

Orlando City has also has signed midfielder Cristian Higuita from Colombian side Deportivo Cali. Per Club and league policy, additional terms were not disclosed.

"We're delighted that Cristian is joining us for the 2015 season," said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. "He's another young player who we think has a tremendous upside, and we're looking forward to working with him."

Higuita joins Orlando City alongside former Deportivo Cali midfielder Carlos Rivas after spending the previous four seasons in Colombia's top division. In 2014, Higuita experienced his most successful campaign as a professional, starting in 10 matches and scoring two goals for Cali.

At the international level, the defensive midfielder has been a constant within Colombia's youth ranks – featuring for the U-17 and U-20 teams. Higuita's 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.

Transaction: Orlando City SC Signs Cristian Higuita

Name: Cristian Higuita (Chri-tee-an He-Gwee-Ta)

Date of Birth: 01/12/1994

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 174 lbs.

Birthplace: Cali, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Twitter: @CristianHiguit2        

 

-courtesy Orlando City S.C. Media Relations