MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Tuesday the acquisition of defender Gienir Garcia from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in return for the discovery rights to forward Etienne Barbara.
Garcia played 10 games with Cruz Azul Hidalgo in the Mexican second division over the last two years. He began his career in the youth ranks of top Mexican club Cruz Azul, making his first division debut on July 3, 2010, during the 2010-11 season. He has also played two games with Cruz Azul in the preliminary round of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, scoring one goal.
“We felt it was important to acquire Garcia because with his experience in Mexico, he could be a good player in MLS,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch.
Internationally, he made five appearances in friendly matches at the U-20 level for Mexico and was part of the preliminary squad for Mexico’s entry in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007.
Garcia was originally selected by the Whitecaps in the first round, second overall, in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft.
Barbara, named the NASL league MVP in 2011, figured amongst the names on the Impact discovery list. Barbara refused the Impact’s initial contract offer a few weeks ago.
GIENIR GARCIA
Position: Defender
Height: 6'
Weight: 160 lbs
Date of Birth: October 9, 1989, Zacatepec, Mexico
Hometown: Zacatepec, Mexico
Former club: Cruz Azul Hidalgo (Mexico)
Acquired: January 17, 2012
