Aristeguieta to stay with Union through the season
It's been a frustrating year for Union forward Fernando Aristeguieta dealing with injuries, but other than that, the native of Venezuela has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Major League Soccer team.
It's been a frustrating year for Union forward Fernando Aristeguieta dealing with injuries, but other than that, the native of Venezuela has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Major League Soccer team.
And now that stay will officially last at least until the end of the Major League Soccer season. Aristeguieta, who was originally signed to a short-term loan that was set to expire, has signed a new six-month loan that will carry him through the end of the season. He was loaned by FC Nantes of France.
"It feels good to get this done," Aristeguieta said after Tuesday's practice at PPL Park. "I was a little surprised, first with my injury and I didn't know if I was going to stay so it was pretty stressful, and finally I am training again and staying and I am happy."
According to Union technical director Chris Albright, the team has an option to pick up a permanent transfer. Both the Union and Aristeguieta have said they would like to see him stay longer than six more months, but many factors, including the salary cap, will factor into a long-term agreement.
"I think he is a player we would love to have here for a lot of years, but there are variables involved and it is not as easy as saying we want him," Albright said.
The 23-year-old Aristeguieta began the season on fire, scoring three goals in his first five games, but then he suffered a quad injury that held him back. He also left the team while trying out for Venezuela's Copa-America squad. Copa America is South American's biggest international tournament.
He didn't make the team, returned to the Union and then suffered a high ankle sprain on June 3 against Columbus.
Aristeguieta hasn't played since, but participated in practice on Tuesday. Both coach Jim Curtin and Aristeguieta feel he could see action in Saturday's game against the surging Portland Timbers at PPL Park.
Aristeguieta says he hopes that he can have a longer term commitment with the Union after this short-term loan expires.
"Since the moment I arrived I here I was in love with the team and the city," said Aristeguieta, whose loves in Philadelphia. "I want to stay here but it is not something that depends on me totally."
