3/11 UPDATE: NYCFC has officially announced Mendoza's signing.
#NYCFC acquires Steven Mendoza (@Stiven20Mendoza) on loan from Brazilian side @Corinthians https://t.co/cvR0MheZEi pic.twitter.com/2hrVFrOUNk
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) March 11, 2016
Mendoza told NYCFC.com that "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." Head coach Patrick Vieira added that "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. "
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
The 2016 MLS season has begun. But that doesn't mean the hot stove has cooled down.
Just before noon today, Brazilian champs Corinthians announced that forward Stiven Mendoza was set to join NYCFC on loan through the end of the season. Mendoza was reportedly not part of the Sao Paolo club's plans this year.
The deal was first reported by ESPN Brazil.
The Colombia-born Mendoza, 23, has experience playing as a striker and as well as a left winger. During a recent stint with Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC, he posted 17 goals in 25 games.
Per Transfermarkt, he has an estimated market value of $825,000.
As with the loan signing of Argentine glass-eater/fire-breather Federico Bravo, today's move will require some roster maintenance in order to keep Patrick Vieira's NYCFC squad in compliance with MLS rules: we learned last week that the team acquired a mysterious eleventh international roster spot -- with no accompanying explanation whatsoever -- to accommodate Bravo. In order to consummate Mendoza's loan deal, the team will either need to buy yet another international spot from an MLS side or remove a current international player from the active roster.
Numerous reports indicate that Mendoza is already in the United States. With New York City's home opener coming up this Sunday against Toronto, we may not have to wait long to catch a glimpse of Vieira's newest signing decked out in the famous sky blue shirt.
This could work, folks. As long as Stiven has not a single strand of DNA in common with the first Mendoza to sign with New York City.
Let his name never be spoken.