Fernando Cardenas

A quick, technical player who can play on the left wing, centrally in the midfield, as a forward or tucked behind the forward … good on the dribble and able to create chances not only for himself, but also for his teammates … a very quick release on his shot … is left-footed … his speed and footwork allow him to navigate through traffic easily … native language is Spanish.

BEFORE MLS: Began his career with Deportivo Pereira in 2008, but played the with América … played two seasons with Deportivo Pereira before going on loan to Once Caldas for the 2010 Apertura … played with Once Caldas during the team’s run in Copa Libertadores and made six appearances during the tournament before the club fell in the round of 16 to Paraguay’s Club Libertad … loaned to Deportes Tolima for the 2010 Finalización, where he made 16 appearances for the league’s runner up … at the conclusion of the tournament, returned to Deportivo Pereira for the 2011 Apertura, making 11 appearances while scoring one goal and adding one assist … in the summer of 2011, Cárdenas landed at América for the Finalización, where he made eight appearances, including five starts … across all competitions in Colombia, made 82 appearances, scoring six goals and adding five assists before coming to New England.

PERSONAL: Son of Rubiela Arrendonolo and Fernando Cardenas, Sr. … has one younger brother, Jhonathan Andres Cardenas (20) … married to Yury Marcela Buritica … the couple has one daughter, Maria Jose Cardenas (10 months) … in his free time, likes to play video games and spend time with his family … a supporter of Spain’s FC Barcelona … especially enjoys the work of Christian singer Alex Campos … his favorite movie is “Fast 5” from the “Fast and the Furious” series, and likes actor Vin Diesel … played for the youth club team Deportivo Cali de Cartago … maintains that Cali, Colombia is his favorite travel destination for playing soccer.