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San Antonio Acquires Joaquin Varela on Loan from San Martin De Tucuman

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 05/12/21, 3:20PM EDT

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Center back brings experience from South America, including appearances in Copa Libertadores


New San Antonio FC acquisition Joaquin Varela has made 26 appearances in Argentina's Superliga in his career as well as competing in the Copa Libertadores. | Photo courtesy San Antonio FC

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio FC announced on Wednesday it had acquired defender Joaquin Varela on loan from Argentine club San Martin de Tucuman for the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, terms of the loan were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to welcome Joaquin to the SAFC family,” said SAFC Head Coach Alen Marcina. “Joaquin holds first and second division experience from Argentina as well as playing in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. He is an intelligent ball-winning centerback committed to proving himself in the United States while contributing to our team identity.”

Varela competed with San Martin during the current 2020-21 season. Prior to his time with San Martin, Varela also spent time with Argentine Superliga sides Godoy Cruz and Newell’s Old Boys. The 24-year-old defender has made 36 professional appearances to date in all competitions, after making his senior debut with Old Boys in 2017.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me,” said Varela. “It’s my first experience internationally, so I want to enjoy all of it. I’m extremely happy to be part of this team and very grateful towards my teammates and coaches for their welcoming me in the best way possible. I’m very excited to be on the field and I can’t wait to play in an official match.”

Varela spent his youth soccer career with San Lorenzo prior to joining Newell’s Old Boys in 2014. The defender has scored two career goals and brings the number of defenders on the active SAFC roster to eight.

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