(August 8, 2007) – The Kansas City Wizards announced today the signing of Eloy Colombano, a 24-year-old attacking player from Argentina, to a senior-roster contract. Colombano, a forward and right-sided midfielder, will be designated as a youth international for the remainder of the 2007 season. Colombano, Technical Director Peter Vermes and Head Coach Curt Onalfo will be available for comments Thursday after practice at the Kansas City Wizards Swope Park Training Center. Practice is scheduled to run from 10 - 11 a.m.
“To have long-term success in Major League Soccer, it is imperative that an organization is always trying to improve its roster,” Technical Director Peter Vermes said. “We continue to look for players who fit into our attacking style of play. We feel Eloy Colombano is a great addition to our squad.”
Colombano, who will wear number 16, arrived in Kansas City early last month to begin training with the Wizards. He then returned to Argentina to finalize paperwork and will join the squad in Kansas City today. Colombano has played for Defensa y Justicia and LP Estudiantes of the Argentine first division since 2001.
“We are excited to add Eloy Colombano to our team,” Head Coach Curt Onalfo said. “He fits very well into our style of play, adds tremendous depth and quickness to our team and will push the players already on our roster on a daily basis for a starting spot in our team.”
Technical Director Peter Vermes and Head Coach Curt Onalfo first saw Colombano during the team’s trip to Argentina during preseason when the Wizards played against Defense y Justicia. Then, Vermes toured LP Estudiante’s facility and saw Colombano again during a training session.
“The preseason trip to Argentina has proven to be a huge success,” Vermes said. “First Carlos Marinelli and now Eloy Colombano are part of our organization thanks to our time in South America. These are two talented players who add a lot to our team.”
Colombano becomes the fourth Argentinean to sign with an MLS side this season. Wizards teammate Carlos Marinelli, Guillermo Barros Schelotto of Columbus and Pablo Ricchetti of Dallas have already joined the league in 2007. Other notable MLS players from Argentina include 2006 Honda MVP Christian Gomez of D.C. United and stalwart goalkeeper Dario Sala of FC Dallas. Colombano becomes the third Argentinean in Kansas City Wizards history, following Marinelli and former forward Dario Fabbro.
Vitals:
Eloy Colombano #16
Midfielder/Forward
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 160
DOB: 6/15/1983
Birthplace: Pehuajó, Argentina
Transaction: Kansas City Wizards sign forward/midfielder Eloy Colombano of Argentina as youth international.
