New York City FC are bolstering the ranks of their attack with some overseas help.
Colombian attacker Steven Mendoza, 23, will join NYCFC on loan from Brazilian side Corinthians until the end of the 2016 season with an option to purchase, the club announced Friday.
Mendoza comes Stateside after a loan with Chennaiyin FC, which is coming off a Indian Super League Title win. There, Mendoza won the Hero of the League award and the league's Golden Boot after scoring 13 goals in 16 games.
“I think Mendoza will be an exciting player to watch and will bring further pace and creative ability to the squad,” club sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a statement provided by the team. “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.”
Prior to his stellar season in India, Mendoza made 10 appearances for Corinthians, scoring one goal and helping the club to finish as national champions. He started his professional career in his native Colombia, making more than 80 first-team appearances during spells at Envigado, America Cali, Cucuta Deportivo, and boyhood club Deportivo Cali from 2010 to 2014.
“Everyone kept telling me that it’s a team that is forming and coming together really well,” Mendoza said. “Patrick Vieira is someone who wants to win. I’ve talked with the head coach and I am very excited by the confidence he has in me.”
