ORLANDO, Florida – The Montreal Impact announced on Thursday that Argentinean forward Andrés Fabricio Romero has been acquired on loan from Tombense Futebol Clube, which owns his rights, for the 2013 MLS season. He will officially be added to the roster upon receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). As per club and Major League Soccer (MLS) policy, details of the contract will not be disclosed.
Attacking and versatile player
Romero, 23, joins the Impact after spending the 2012 season in the Brazilian first and second division. He concluded the year with Clube Náutico Capibaribe, appearing in six games in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He began the season in Série B with Criciúma Esporte Clube, where he played nine games in Campeonato Catarinense, including two starts, and two Copa Kia do Brasil games.
“We’ve been talking about looking for an attacking player, a forward/winger, that is versatile and Romero fits that role,” said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. “He’s played at a very high level in Argentina and Brazil. He’s at a good age and now it’s up to him to acclimatize to a new style of soccer. I think he’s going to bring a lot of speed and good technical qualities that will help make this team better.”
Romero made his professional debut in 2008 with Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors, in the Primera Division, the Argentinean first division. In three and a half seasons with the Buenos Aires-based club, he recorded four goals and four assists in more than 40 games. He helped the club win its third Clausura title, in 2009/2010. He also played seven games in the Copa Sudamericana, including five in 2008 when the team reached the semi-finals.
Internationally, he played five games with the Argentinean U20 National Team, including two starts in the U20 Campeonato Sudamericano, held in Venezuela.
Romero will count as an international player on the Impact roster and is travelling with the team to Florida today.
ANDRÉS FABRICIO ROMERO
Position: Forward
Height: 5’9
Weight: 160 lbs.
Birth date: December 21, 1989, Bell Ville, Argentina
Place of residence: Bell Ville, Argentina
Former club: Bell Ville, Argentina
Acquired: February 7, 2013
