Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has acquired midfielder Eric Avila from FC Dallas in exchange for forward Maicon Santos.

“We are very happy to add Eric Avila to our club, he is an attacking midfielder that fits into our immediate and long term plans,” said Toronto FC Head Coach and Technical Director Aron Winter. “All of the trades that we have made in the last few weeks have been to acquire players who fulfill a specific need for our team or fit into our style of play philosophy. I'd like to thank Maicon for his contributions to our club and for serving as Captain. We wish him well with his new club."

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Avila, 23, signed a Generation adidas contract and was drafted in the 2nd round (19 th overall) in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. In four seasons for Dallas, Avila made 63 appearances including 13 this season with five starts, scoring one goal and adding two assists.

He played his college career at UC Santa Barbara and won the 2006 NCAA Men’s National Championship along with current Toronto FC defender Andy Iro. Avila has also represented the United States at the U-20 and U-17 levels.

Maicon Santos, 27, was in his second season with Toronto FC. In two seasons, the Brazilian made 32 appearances and scored 10 goals for Toronto.

Eric Avila
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’8
Weight: 149 pds.
Birthdate: November 24, 1987
Birth Place/Hometown: San Diego, California
Nationality: American
Last Club: FC Dallas
How Acquired: Trade with FC Dallas on August 2, 2011
Pronunciation: “Av-ee-a”