San Antonio FC signed midfielder Cristian Parano for the 2019 USL Championship season pending league and federation clearance, the club announced today. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Cristian came in on trial with us at the start of the preseason and impressed the coaching staff,” SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell said. “He’s a skilled player and we’re looking forward to working with him this year.”

The 19-year-old joins SAFC after making his professional debut during the 2018 season with Argentinian first-division side San Martin de San Juan. Prior to that, Parano spent four years in River Plate’s youth system from 2014-2018. The Argentina native originally joined an FC Barcelona academy affiliate in Buenos Aires at the age of nine, where he trained for two years before eventually joining River Plate.

“I’m thrilled about this experience and I’m very thankful for the opportunity that San Antonio FC is providing me,” Parano said. “I will give my absolute best to repay the trust that the coaching staff is giving me, and I hope to help the team reach our goals.”

Parano becomes the second-youngest player (19) on the SAFC roster behind teammate Ethan Bryant, who is 17 years old.

San Antonio FC is currently preparing for the upcoming USL season, and fans can purchase 2019 season tickets by calling the SAFC sales office at 210-444-5657 or by visiting SanAntonioFC.com. Supporters can also follow the club by liking San Antonio FC on Facebook, as well as following the team on Twitter (@SanAntonioFC), Instagram (@sanantoniofc) and Snapchat (SanAntonioFC).