FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas today announced the signing of Colombian midfielder Juan Carlos Toja. The 21-year-old, who played for Argentine-club River Plate in 2006, comes to FCD on loan from Colombian-side Independiente de Santa Fe. He joined his FCD teammates today during preseason camp at Clube Atletico Paranaense's Training Center in Curitiba, Brazil. Per MLS policy, terms of the deal were not revealed.
"Juan Carlos is an exciting central midfield player who likes to get involved in the attack," said FC Dallas head coach Steve Morrow. "He's a player with huge potential and one that's already had a lot of experience with the Colombian U-20 team, with Sante Fe, and recently with River Plate in Argentina. We feel he'll bring a good balance to our midfield."
Toja made his first-team debut with Independiente de Santa Fe as an 18-year old in 2003. After seeing regular playing time with the club, he was became a regular call-up to the Colombian U-20 team and was a key member of the team that won the 2005 South American Championship. He was also part of the Colombian U-20 team that participated in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in Holland.
Following the Youth Championships, Toja was signed by River Plate in Argentina in January 2006. Only a month after signing, he scored in River's 2-0 Copa Libertadores win over Bolivia's Oriente Petrolero.
Toja will be eligible to play upon receipt of his work visa. Once officially on the roster, he will count as one of the team's international players.
