Michael Estrada joins D.C. United on loan from Liga MX side Toluca | OneFootball

D.C United have acquired Ecuador international forward Michael Estrada on loan for the 2022 MLS season from Liga MX side Toluca, the club announced Tuesday.

The Black-and-Red hold an option for Estrada’s permanent transfer after his loan is completed.

“Bolstering our attack has been a priority for us in the offseason and we’ve been closely monitoring the possibility of bringing Michael to the club,” president of soccer operations Dave Kasper said in a release.

“He is a dangerous No. 9 who we believe will be a great addition to our attacking unit, and we’re excited to get him on loan for the 2022 season.”

Estrada replaces former D.C. United player Paul Arriola on the roster, after the midfielder recently transferred to FC Dallas.

The forward recorded 17 goals and six assists in 66 appearances for Toluca since first joining two years ago.

“We believe Michael has the quality to be a top goal scorer in our league. He’s a dynamic player who brings quality on the ball and an aerial presence and threat,” general manager Lucy Rushton continued. “His capacity to break lines with his pace and power, as well as his ability to drop-in and link-up play fits perfectly into our style of play and our profile for a player in this position.”

Estrada has also featured for the Ecuadorian national team, taking an active part in their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in South America. He’s managed eight goals and five assists in 28 caps for the team.

He is the second attacking player to join D.C. United during this winter transfer window after the club signed Greek international forward Taxiarchis Fountas as a Designated Player from Austria's Rapid Vienna.

The Eastern Conference team is set to kick off the 2022 MLS season on February 26 when hosting newest expansion side Charlotte FC at Audi Field.