By FRANCO PANIZO
Good things come in small sizes. That is what the San Jose Earthquakes are hoping, at least.
The Earthquakes announced on Thursday that they have signed diminutive attacking midfielder Matias Perez Garcia to a Designated Player deal. The 5-foot-5 Perez Garcia, 29, joins the club after having last played for Club Atletico Tigre in his native Argentina.
“We’re very excited to sign Matias,” said Earthquakes head coach Mark Watson in a statement. “He adds a very experienced, technical attacking quality that will be a great complement to the squad we already have. We look forward to having him join the team.”
Perez Garcia has played for a number of clubs in various leagues throughout his professional career, which began in 2002. Some of the teams he has spent time at include Argentina outfit Lanus, French side Chamois Niortais FC, and Universidad de Chile.
He also previously represented Argentina at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels, playing alongside the likes of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.
“It’s a monumental moment for the club,” said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle. “Matias is a dynamic, attacking player that will create chances for teammates as well as himself. I’m very excited to see the impact that he can have on this league for years to come.”
Perez Garcia becomes the third DP in Earthquakes’ history after Brazilian playmaker Geovanni and U.S. Men’s National Team forward Chris Wondolowski. Geovanni is no longer with the club, but Wondolowski is.
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What do you think of the Earthquakes signing Perez Garcia? Think his size could hinder his ability to make an impact in MLS? Do you see him helping the Earthquakes make a postseason push?
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