KANSAS CITY, KAN. -- Sporting Kansas City announced today the club has acquired Colombian midfielder Jimmy Medranda on loan from Deportivo Pereira and U.S. defender Brendan Ruiz from Brazilian side Figuerense.
"We think Jimmy and Brendan are interesting talents and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop in Kansas City," said Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes.
Medranda joined the youth program of Colombian side Deportivo Pereira as a 12-year-old before climbing the ladder to the senior team.
Over the past two seasons, the 19-year-old midfielder made 16 appearances in all competitions for the senior team and tallied two goals.
"I'm very happy to be here because MLS is a growing league," Medranda said. I'm excited to take advantage of this opportunity and to continue to develop as a player in Kansas City."
Ruiz, a 20-year-old defender from California, spent the last two years with the U-20 squad of Brazilian first division club Figuerense.
Prior to his move to Brazil, Ruiz played for De Anza Force of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy alongside U.S. U-20 internationals Benji Joya (Santos Laguna) and Marc Pelosi (Liverpool).
The 6-foot-2 midfielder-turned-defender started 30 games for a De Anza Force U-16 team that finished in fourth place at USSDA Finals Week in 2010.
"I've always dreamed about playing in MLS and never thought I would get this opportunity," Ruiz said. "I'm excited to be at a club that is doing really well now and will continue to do well in the future. They have a great coaching staff and facilities and I could not ask for any more at this point in my career."
Sporting Kansas City returns to league action Saturday night when they host the New England Revolution at Sporting Park.
Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Sporting Park Box Office.
