Late this afternoon, Sporting KC announced a season long loan of winger Bernardo Añor to Minnesota United. The Venezuelan winger joins an already stacked attack as the Loons traveled to Portland for the Portland Simple Invitational, where they will train for a week and a half and play three friendlies.
The 27-year-old Añor played in 71 games with the Columbus Crew from 2011-2014, tallying 12 goals. He was then traded to Sporting Kansas City for some General Allocation Money prior to the 2015 season.
The Venezuelan played his college soccer at the University of South Florida and was named to College Soccer News’ Freshmen All-American team in 2007. After missing 2008 due to a torn ACL, he returned to USF for 2009 and 2010 before being drafted in the third round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
With the Crew, he was the MLS Player of the Week in June 2011 before another ACL tear wiped out his 2012 season. He came back to post 3 goals in 20 games (19 starts) and had another MLS POTW nod in 2014 among his 27 games (18 starts) and a career high 6 goals. After his trade to SKC, his playing time dropped significantly, netting him 13 games (4 starts) and no goals or assists.
“Bernardo has had some good seasons, particularly for the Crew” said United Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “He has been in a good environment at Sporting KC where he has played really good soccer. He’s a kid who wants to be [in Minnesota] and help us grow and become a bigger and better club.”
A tireless player with a strong left leg, Añor spent most of his time as a left midfielder while also filling in at leftback in a pinch. This move, along with the previous signing of Danny Cruz, further solidifies the left flank and as NP’s Alex Schieferdecker wrote earlier today they will be vying for a spot with Lance Laing and Jamie Watson. The move adds cover behind Justin Davis and Laing which is especially pressing as Jamaican International looks likely to be playing for his country in this summer’s Copa America.
Anor’s home nation of Venezuela is also in the Centennario, but he’s yet to be called up to the full national team and is likely to still be in Minnesota as rosters are released.
Añor is the older brother of Malaga’s attacking midfielder Juanpi.
You can also just watch these goals.
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