(NYC FC plays at Yankee Stadium – Photo by Jason Schott – NY Sports Day)
New York City Football Club announced on Friday that they have traded midfielder Andrew Jacobson to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
Jacobson was acquired by New York City FC ahead of their inaugural season via a trade with FC Dallas. The midfielder started 33 games for the Club, tallied 1 goal and 2 assists.
New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said in a statement, “During the off-season Andrew informed us that he wished to move closer to his family. Out of respect for the player, we’re pleased to have agreed a trade which works for both Andrew and our Club. All of us at New York City FC would like to thank Andrew for his service to the Club in our Inaugural Season and we wish AJ all the best moving forward in his career.”
Jacobson said in a statement, “I want to sincerely thank New York City FC for helping me make a move to be closer to my family. I also want to thank the New York City fans for making this past year such a memorable one. Playing for an expansion franchise in New York City was an amazing experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity the Club gave me to be a part of making history.”
NYC FC Acquires Steven Mendoza
New York City FC also announced on Friday that the Club has acquired Steven Mendoza on loan from Brazilian side Corinthians until the end of the 2016 season with an option to purchase. Mendoza has received his P1 visa and is eligible for selection in this Sunday’s home opener against Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium.
Mendoza, a 23 year-old Colombian attacker, joins after a season on loan with Chennaiyin FC, which saw him win the Indian Super League Title, as well as securing the Golden Boot (13 goals) and the Hero of the League award.
Prior to his stellar season in India, Mendoza made 10 appearances for Corinthians, scoring 1 goal and helping the Club to finish the season as national champions. The player started his professional career in his native Colombia, making over 80 first team appearances during spells at Envigado, America Cali, Cucuta Deportivo, and boyhood club Deportivo Cali from 2010 to 2014.
Mendoza said in a statement, “Everyone kept telling me that it’s a team that is forming and coming together really well. Patrick Vieira is someone who wants to win. I’ve talked with the Head Coach (referring to Vieira) and I am very excited by the confidence he has in me.
“I’m a fast player. I like to get involved in a lot of plays and help the team from a wide position. People will always see the maximum from me. This is a very exciting move and I can’t wait to play for the first time. ”
New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said, “I think Mendoza will be an exciting player to watch and will bring further pace and creative ability to the squad. He has good experience in Brazil with Corinthians and has played abroad in India – so he also has experience playing outside of South America. We are confident that he will adapt well to MLS and be an important player for us moving forward.”
NYC FC Head Coach Patrick Vieira said, “First of all, Mendoza brings additional pace up front and is really good in the 1v1 situations. Technically he’s a fantastic player and can score goals. He’s another young talented player that we add to our roster and he will be really important for us this season. ”