Orlando City announced the signing of Colombian winger Iván Angulo from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras on a 12-month loan. The 23-year-old arrives after a loan spell in Portugal with Portimonense.
Angulo is a former Colombian youth international who played at the U-20 World Cup and has 65 appearances across his professional playing career. He played 2,370 minutes last season in the Portuguese top flight, scoring two goals and registering two assists in all competitions.
He's yet to make any impact with the Palmeiras first team, with just five minutes played at any level in any competition for the Brazilian super club. He's not the flashiest prospect to arrive from South America, but his most recent season in Portugal was his most productive and the first time he saw heavy minutes as a professional. If he can build upon that, he could have a bright future in MLS.
The loan is currently set for 12-months with an option to extend for an additional six months. This gives Angulo roughly a full season worth of time with the club to integrate and prove himself at this level.
"We believe ability to take players one-on-one and the danger he creates down the flanks are going to be great assets for us as we push towards the end of this season," Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said in the club's statement.
This is the second winger signing in as many weeks by the Lions as they try to patch up the biggest area of weakness in a limping attack. Orlando currently sit in playoff position, but desperately needs to improve its caliber of play to hold onto that spot and make a push for MLS Cup.
Angulo and the previously acquired Nico Gioacchini will likely be available for selection sometime in the next few weeks and help bolster the squad for the playoff hunt, though neither will be available for Wednesday night's bout in the US Open Cup semifinals against the New York Red Bulls.