The Loons on Tuesday signed Paraguayan international right back Alan Benitez to a 2 ½-year contract with a club option.
Benitez, 28, will occupy an international roster spot. He adds depth at a position where starting right back Romain Metanire, 32, has missed almost all season because of hamstring injuries. Metanire's contract expires after this season.
DJ Taylor has assumed Metanire's starting spot. Kemar Lawrence has replaced traded Chase Gasper at left back, where he scored a goal in Friday's 3-1 victory at Vancouver.
When asked what Benitez will bring, Heath said, "Energy. He's very, very good in the opponent's half, very forward thinking. … A big part of our attacking play is getting our outside backs up the pitch and he really has good quality in the final third."
Benitez plays on the Paraguay national team with Loons striker Luis Amarilla.
