MLS Ticker: LAFC sells Arango to Pachuca, Quakes add Greuzo, and more

Cristian Arango played a major role in Los Angeles FC winning its first-ever MLS Cup, but the Western Conference club will now have to find a replacement for his offensive production.

LAFC sold Arango to Liga MX side Pachuca on a permanent deal, the clubs announcd. The 27-year-old joined LAFC in August 2021 from Colombian side Millonarios and was an immediate hit for the club.

Arango scored 14 goals and added two assists in his first 17 appearances, winning the 2021 MLS Newcomer of the Year award. He leaves LAFC with 30 goals in 51 regular-season appearances, finishing third in the club’s all-time goalscoring ranks.

“We knew coming out of a successful 2022, we would need to make a major move, and likely a difficult decision ahead of roster compliance,” LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington said. “We evaluated all possibilities and this transfer provides the needed resources and flexibility to continue our ambition of winning trophies. Whenever possible, we work with the player, as we did in this case upon receiving Chicho’s request. Chicho will forever remain an important part of LAFC, and we wish him and his family all the best in the next stage of his career at Pachuca.”

Arango earned his first international cap for Colombia in 2021 before also appearing in January’s goal-less draw with the USMNT earlier this year.

Here is a closer look at the latest MLS News:

Earthquakes add Carlos Gruezo as Designated Player

Carlos Gruezo is back in MLS after making the move to the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday.

Gruezo, 27, signed with the Quakes as a Designated Player through the 2025 season, the club announced. The Ecuadorian midfielder joins from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, where he made 75 appearances at over the past three-and-a-half-years.

“Carlos joins us in the prime of his career after successful campaigns in South America, Major League Soccer, and Europe,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “He’s spent the past few seasons in one of the top leagues in the world and previously showed he can be among the best players at his position in MLS.”

Gruezo began his career with Ecuadorian side Barcelona SC, tallying three goals and two assists in 81 appearances. He proceeded to join VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga before moving to FC Dallas in 2016.

Gruezo spent three-and-a-half seasons with FC Dallas, making 98 regular-season appearances, scoring three goals and adding seven assists. He played under current Quakes boss Luchi Gonzalez during his time in Texas.

He’s earned 47 caps for Ecuador, scoring one goal, and most recently featuring at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Austin FC loans Djitte to Ligue 1 side AC Ajaccio

Moussa Djitte is on his way to France with hopes of securing consistent playing time abroad.

AC Ajaccio added Djitte on loan for the remainder of the Ligue 1 season, Austin FC announced Tuesday. The 23-year-old Senegalese forward leaves Austin FC for the time being after totaling 30 appearances since June 2021.

Djitte scored five goals and added two assists for the club. Austin FC added Gyasi Zardes this offseason and still has veteran Maxi Urruti in its attacking front heading into the 2023 MLS season.

AC Ajaccio are currently in 18th place and the relegation zone of France’s top flight.

Inter Miami adds veteran defender Kryvtsov

Inter Miami bolstered its defensive options for the next few seasons with Sergii Kryvtsov joining the club on a permanent deal.

Kryvtsov, 31, signed with the Herons the 2024 MLS season with an option for 2025, the club announced. He joins from Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won 20 domestic trophies and logged over 200 appearances since 2010.

“Sergii is a composed defender who will provide valuable experience to our defensive line after many years playing at the highest levels both at the club and international levels; he is a solid defender in the air and possesses strong leadership skills having been vice-captain at his previous club,” Miami’s chief soccer officer and sporting director Chris Henderson said.

“Sergii is arriving after preseason with Shakhtar Donetsk, so he is ready to get incorporated into the group,” Henderson added. “We look forward to watching him represent the Inter Miami colors and help the team work towards a successful season in 2023.”

Kryvtsov has also earned 18 caps for the Ukrainian national team, last featuring in 2020.

Inter Miami opens its league schedule on Feb. 25 against CF Montreal.

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• Orlando City added Icelandic midfielder Dagur Dan Thorhallsson on a permanent deal from Breidablik. Thorhallsson has totaled 18 goals and 11 assists in 118 professional appearances.