The Union have loaned midfielder Michael Lahoud to the New York Cosmos of the NASL, and in return, acquired 27-year-old midfielder Walter Restrepo for an undisclosed transfer fee.
Lahoud's loan is for the duration of the 2016 season. The details were not disclosed.
"Part of our ongoing assessment has been to build quality depth in certain areas and we strongly believe Walter can give us the kind of speed and attacking ability on the wing that we're looking for," first-year Union sporting director Earnie Stewart said. "We know Michael will represent our club in a professional manner and we wish him the best of luck on a successful season."
At 5-foot-8, Restrepo, an attacking midfielder and winger, has been one of NASL's better players over the past few seasons. He's known primarily for his speed and ability to break down defenders, leading the league in assists with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2012 and twice earning NASL Best XI honors.
Restrepo is the prototypical player that Union manager Jim Curtin and Stewart are targeting this offseason - an aggressive, pace-pushing attacker with a winning background.
Playing professionally in Colombia from 2006 through 2010, Restrepo joined the NASL in 2011 with the Strikers before moving onto the San Antonio Scorpions in 2014, where he won the NASL title. The Cosmos won the NASL championship in 2015.
In return, the Cosmos received 29-year-old defensive mid Lahoud, who came to the Union in 2012 and played 58 games with 40 starts.
