Ángelo RodríguezClub Deportes Tolima

Minnesota United signs Colombian Angelo Rodriguez as club's second DP

Minnesota United has announced the signing of Colombian forward Angelo Rodríguez on a Designated Player contract. 

The 29-year-old comes to Major League Soccer from Club Deportes Tolima of Colombia's top flight. 

The Loons signed fellow Colombian Darwin Quintero at the end of March as the club's first DP, and the 30-year-old is now leading the team in scoring with six goals this season

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Quintero will now have a partner up front as the club chases its first-ever appearance in the MLS playoffs. 

Minnesota currently sits seven points back of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, though the Loons hold a game in hand on the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

“He is a big-time player,” said MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath in a club release. “We have just added a difference-maker to our roster. He’s a player who is physical, skilled and knows how to score. He holds up the ball well and is also able to turn and run at defenders. He causes stress on defenses by closing down and pressing. He has seen some of the best competition in Colombia and has stepped up in big moments.

"We are thrilled to bring another valuable addition to Minnesota.”

The club also announced the signing of Ecuador international midfielder Romario Ibarra on Monday. 

The younger brother of Club América standout Renato Ibarra, the 23-year-old broke into his national team in 2017 and struck two goals in the final round of CONMEBOL qualifying  despite his limited time in the side. 

“We have been looking for some change-of-game pace for the team and that’s one of the best things Romario does: He changes games with his pace and he challenges defenders," Heath said in a club release. "He’s of a great age at 23 and he has had a good start to his career. He has just broken into the Ecuador national team, which is one of the premier national teams in South America.

"It’s a big step for us, a real investment on behalf of the club and I am delighted. Can’t wait to get him here, can’t wait to work with him.”

The club returns to MLS action on Saturday with a home match against Real Salt Lake. 

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