EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC announced on Friday it had acquired midfielder Juan Carlos Azocar on loan from Deportivo La Guaira in Venezuela’s Primera Division. The 24-year-old will be added to the Toros’ roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa.

In addition, the Toros have an option to purchase the midfielder following the conclusion of the loan agreement.

“Juan Carlos is a dynamic midfielder who brings international pedigree and will add to our attacking options,” RGV General Manager Nick Kowba said. “The addition of Juan Carlos will give us a boost as we look to finish the season strong, beginning with a key matchup this Friday at H-E-B Park. Our goal is to make a push for the playoffs and we believe Juan Carlos can help us get there.”

The Venezuelan native was on loan in Armenia with FC Urartu Yerevan for the 2019/2020 campaign and finished his tenure with the club with two goals and four assists in 15 games.

Azocar made his professional debut as a 16-year-old in 2011 when he came off the bench for Aragua FC. The Maracay, Venezuela native went on to earn 122 appearances in seven years as a professional in his home country. Offensively, the midfielder scored 13 goals and tallied 12 assists in the Venezuelan Primera Division. Internationally, Azocar scored a goal in the opening round of the two-game series with Real Garcilaso from Peru in the 2019 Copa Libertadores.

The midfielder also brings international experience to the Toros after representing the U-20 Venezuelan national team. Azocar played in two games at the 2015 U-20 Conmebol Championship in Uruguay, including a 1-0 victory over the host nation.