Chester, PA (January 31, 2012) - Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has exercised their option to retain the services of midfielder Roger Torres, completing a transfer from América de Cali. Torres had been on loan to the Union from the Colombian side for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the transfer will not be disclosed.

Torres has emerged as one of the league's most exciting young playmakers in his two seasons on loan with Philadelphia. In 46 appearances, including 19 starts, the 20-year-old Colombian has scored three goals and registered eight assists in only 1,889 minutes. All three of Torres' goals came in 2011, including his first MLS goal against the New York Red Bulls in a 1-0 win on April 9.

"We're very happy to keep Roger in Philadelphia and see the benefits of the investment we've made in him," said Union manager Peter Nowak. "Roger has shown the ability to be a valuable playmaker and we look forward to helping him continue his development."

Torres debuted with América de Cali in 2009, starting all 15 games in which he played. In 2008, he played his first professional game with Colombian First-Division-B club Alianza Petrolera.

"I'm thrilled to remain in Philadelphia, where I've become comfortable with my teammates and the coaching staff," Torres said. "I love to play in front of our fans at PPL Park and will continue working hard so I can help the team reach its goals."

The Union open the MLS regular season on March 12 with a nationally televised game in Portland (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The club will then return home to host the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, March 18 at PPL Park (4:00 p.m. ET, NBC Sports).

Name: Roger Torres

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’5”

Weight: 140 lbs

Born: July 13, 1991

Hometown: Barrancabermeja, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Last Club: América de Cali

How Acquired: From América de Cali

Roster Status: International

WATCH: Torres knifes through Colorado defense to score