Orlando City SC has acquired 23-year-old defender Jonathan Suárez on loan from Querétaro FC of Liga MX in Mexico’s top-tier, it was announced today. Suárez joins the Lions, pending the receipt of his ITC, on a one-year loan with an option to buy.
“Completing the process of bringing Jonathan to play for us on loan is another important step towards improving our roster and creating depth for us at left back,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi. “Having proven himself to be a top competitor in Liga MX through his versatility, quality on the ball and strength in the buildup, we’re excited to see the different perspectives and skills that he brings to our backline.”
Suárez started out his professional career at Mexico’s Cimarrones de Sonora for one season before transferring to Quarétaro FC ahead of the 2018/2019 Liga MX campaign. The American defender spent two years playing for the Central Mexican side before spending the first half of the 2020/2021 Liga MX season on loan at Pumas UNAM. Suárez has played consistent minutes for Pumas Tabasco, the club’s B team in Liga de Expansión MX, while also frequently being selected to the First Team’s game day roster.
23-year-old Suárez totaled 55 appearances and over 3,600 minutes played across all competitions with his three previous clubs, scoring one goal for Cimarrones and providing one assist for Querétaro FC.
A native of Anaheim, California, the young American made his international debut for the United States U-20 Men’s National Team in an international friendly on October 7, 2017. Suárez came off the bench in the second half, earning his first 22 minutes in a United States U-20 uniform. He made appearances on the team’s bench in their previous match against Germany’s U-20 side (10/5/2016) and their final match against England’s U-20 side (10/10/2016).
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