Toronto FC acquire Alen Stevanovic on loan

Toronto FC announced Thursday that they have acquired Swiss born, Serbian international midfielder Alen Stevanovic on loan from Torino F.C. of Italy’s Serie B league.

"Alen is a very strong midfielder that is highly regarded in Europe and is a promising young talent," said Toronto FC Head Coach and Technical Director, Aron Winter. "He will fit in well with our system and we are happy to have him join Toronto FC."

Stevanovic, 20, is currently co-owned by Torino and Internazionale Milan. He signed a contract with Inter in February 2009 and trained with the club under coach Jose Mourinho. He made his Serie A debut on January 9, 2010 when he came on as a substitute in a league match against Siena. Stevanovic left in July 2010 to join Torino in a co-ownership deal.

His career began with Radnicki Obrenovac of the Serbian league. On February 2, 2010 he made his debut with the Serbian U-21 national side in a friendly match with Macedonia.

Toronto FC have also added Ecuadorian native, Joao Plata to the team’s roster. Plata was selected 49th overall by Toronto FC in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He was a member of Ecuadorian side LDU Quito after spells with Alfaro Moreno and Barcelona Guayaquil SC.

ALEN STEVANOVIC
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10
Weight: 165
Birthdate: January 7, 1991
Born/Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland
Nationality: Serbian
Last Club: Torino F.C.
How Acquired: Loaned out on March 24, 2011
Pronunciation: "Al-in STA-van-o-vich"

JOAO PLATA
Position: Forward
Height: 5’2
Weight: 140
Birthdate: March 1, 1992
Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Nationality: Ecuadorian
Last Club: LDU Quito
How Acquired: Selected Third Round, 49th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft
Pronunciation: "Ja-ow Plat-a"