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Another American player is on the move.
Defender Ventura Alvarado is joining Santos Laguna, after spending nine years with Club America. His new team welcomed him on Twitter:
#SantosCommunication: Los Guerreros announce the sigining of defender Ventura Alvarado from @ClubAmerica. Welcome, #Guerrero! pic.twitter.com/ck68tg9NGo
— ClubSantosLaguna (@ClubSantosEn) December 2, 2016
ESPN FC's Tom Marshall confirmed the move:
Official: US international Ventura Alvarado has signed for @ClubSantosEn on a permanent deal from @ClubAmerica.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) December 2, 2016
The 24-year old Arizona native joined the Club America academy in 2008. He's made 40 appearances since 2012, and went on loan to Necaxa during the 2013-2014 season.
Alvarado explored a move to MLS over the summer, after turning down a loan to Tigres. Club America team president Ricardo Pelaez was very accommodating:
"We were looking for something for him, since he asked to be let go because of his lack of activity. Finally we talked to him, and he's ready to stay with us for at least another six months. If he wants to leave after that, we'll find him a team." - via MLSSoccer.com
He ended up staying with America, making one appearance in a 3-3 draw with Pachuca on November 20th.
Alvarado, a Mexican-American dual national, made his debut for the U.S. national team in 2015. He's earned 13 caps and was a part of the roster that finished in fourth place at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was included on the 40-man preliminary roster for the Copa America Centenario, but did not make the final cut.
It's been a common refrain on this blog lately, but perhaps a change of scenery could be exactly what Alvarado needs. He's still a young player (for a defender), and who knows what could happen with a new manager in charge of the national team? With the World Cup a year and a half away, he could earn consistent playing time and work his way back into the rotation.
Santos finished the Torneo Apertura in 16th place and is slightly above the relegation zone (Mexico bases promotion and relegation on three-year average standings).