Orlando City Soccer Club announced today the signing of Rodrigo Lopez from the Ventura County Fusion of the PDL. Lopez will be on the roster for the Lions upcoming road trip in Los Angeles.
“I wanted to thank the organization for this opportunity,” said Lopez. “I always wanted to be in an environment where I can truly improve each day. I believe Orlando City is that place and I look forward to helping the club for the rest of the season.”
Lopez began his professional career with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer in 2005, and remained with the club through 2007, making a total of eight first-team appearances. After Chivas, he began play with Ventura County Fusion of the USL PDL before joining Queretaro and Cuervos Negros de Zapotlanejo of the Mexican Second Division.
After his time in Mexico, Lopez re-joined the Fusion as they made their run to the 2009 PDL Championship. In the championship match, the Fusion topped Chicago Fire Premier 2-1 at Bulldog Stadium in Ventura, Calif., with Lopez earning MVP honors.
The Guadalajara, Mexico, native then signed with the Portland Timbers (USL), making 23 appearances with the club in the final year before joining Major League Soccer.
After his time with the Timbers ended, Lopez once again joined the Fusion at the beginning of 2012. In 11 games played so far this season, Lopez scored one goal while notching three assists for Ventura County. He has also logged 931 minutes played, good for second best on the team.
Lopez will meet up with the club at the team hotel once they arrive in Los Angeles later this afternoon. He will be available for this weekend’s two matches against the Blues on Friday, July 5 and Sunday, July 8.
Transaction:
Orlando City (USL PRO) signs Rodrigo Lopez from Ventura County Fusion (PDL)
Rodrigo Lopez:
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 154
Born: 5/10/1987
Hometown: Guadalajara, Mexico
-story courtesy Chris Jones/Orlando City S.C.