Darwin Cerén became a Quake today after the club acquired the 26-year-old Salvadoran midfielder from Orlando City SC. With a new face in the locker room, let’s get to know him with a few important facts.
- Soccer runs in the family
One of four children, Ceren and his brothers and sisters all enjoy soccer. Perhaps it originates from his father, who played professionally in El Salvador’s Division Two. Both of his sisters play for El Salvador’s women’s team and Darwin and his brother, Oscar, grew up in their local academy and played for Juventud Independiente.
2. Taking his chances
Although Ceren played soccer throughout his life, after his father lost his job, it was on him as the eldest to support his brothers and sisters. Ceren ended his college career path and started working in quality control for a company manufacturing blocks and bricks. His passion for soccer did not fade, however, so he went to an open tryout for Juventud Independiente and made the team.
3. Brothers
When Ceren joined Juventud Independiente, the team was still in the Second Division. Two years later in 2011, with Oscar also on the squad, they helped the team earn a promotion to the first division.
4. He’s received a few awards in his brief history stateside
Ceren joined Orlando City SC in 2014 from Juventud Independiente and played in USL Pro before Orlando expanded into MLS. During his first year with Orlando, he helped the team win the Commissioner’s Cup. In 2015, he was selected Latino del Año by Fútbolmls.com and was voted Orlando’s Players’ Player of the Year by his teammates.
5. A killer inaugural MLS season
Given the awards Ceren has received, it is safe to assume he has performed on the pitch. During the 2015 season, he led Orlando in passes per game with 59.8, fifth best in MLS. Ceren also ranked 11th in MLS for passing completion percentage, 86.5 percent, and average tackles per game with three.
6. How about those international caps?
Ceren captains the El Salvador National Team and has made 34 appearances for Los Cuscatlecos, including three at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
7. Seeing green
Ceren received his green card in 2015 and will not occupy an international slot.
