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There was late drama for Orlando City SC fans to take in late on MLS summer transfer deadline day as Darwin Cerén was traded to San Jose Earthquakes for Matías Pérez García.

A swap that came completely out of the blue, the deal means the Lions gain an international slot from Quakes while trading salary budget space in turn.

Two years a Lion having initially joined Orlando City SC in its USL form, Darwin Cerén made 64 Major League Soccer appearances for City while scoring four goals.

Orlando City Trades Darwin Cerén to San Jose Earthquakes for Matías Pérez García.

Read: https://t.co/VekvbKSfNn pic.twitter.com/ZFHLp9WGbB

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) 3 August 2016

The El Salvador international was particularly impressive in the Lions’ inaugural MLS campaign last term, winning the Latino del Año prize for the best Latino soccer player in Major League Soccer.

Speaking on Darwin Cerén‘s exit, Orlando City SC Assistant General Manager Niki Budalic claimed: “We would like to thank Darwin for his years of service to our club and his immense contributions to help us reach MLS and during the team’s inaugural season.

“He is a top class person and player on and off the field and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

With us in USL and MLS, @CerenDarwin we wish you the best in your career. #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/qvTbBDyftV

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) 3 August 2016

So what of the man who is arriving at Camping World Stadium?

Well, Matías Pérez García is a 31-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder who arrives in Central Florida following two-and-a-half seasons as a San Jose Earthquakes player.

While Matías Pérez García scored his first MLS goal only 31 minutes into his Quakes debut, it was his spell at Club Atlético Tigre prior to this that truly stood out.

Scoring 13 goals in 63 appearances for the Argentine outfit, the diminutive 5 ft 5 in attacking midfielder will now battle with Kaká, Kevin Molino, Brek Shea, Julio Baptista and Hadji Barry for a starting berth in Jason Kreis‘ side.

Speaking on Matías Pérez García‘s arrival at Orlando City SC, Jason Kreis said: “Our club is very excited about bringing Matías into our camp.

“He has played at a very high level and has demonstrated his skill since joining MLS. Matías fits in nicely with our tactics and shape and will bolster our attack.”

Darwin Cerén‘s Deadline Day exit will come as a boost to both Servando Carrasco and Antonio Nocerino who were chosen as Jason Kreis‘ preferred midfield duo when starting against New England Revolution last time out.

Orlando City UK would like to take this moment to thank Darwin Cerén for all his contributions to Orlando City SC over the past two years while wishing the very best of luck to new arrival Matías Pérez García.

Matías Pérez García

Position(s): Attacking Midfield, Left Wing, Secondary Striker
Nationality: Argentina
Hometown: Tartagal
Date of Birth: 13/10/1984
Height: 5 ft 5 in
Former Clubs: Club Atlético Lanús, C.A.I. (Loan), Club Atlético Talleres, Club Atlético Cerro, Club Atlético Atlanta (Loan), Chamois Niortais F.C., Club Atlético All Boys, Club Universidad de Chile, Club Atlético Tigre, San Jose Earthquakes