Andres Arango


Andres Arango is a Colombian-born Canadian former soccer player who played in the Canadian Professional Soccer League, USL A-League, and the North American Soccer League. Arango is currently the head coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies' U23 side that competes in USL League Two.

Career

Youth and College

Arango moved from his native Colombia to Canada with his parents as a young child. He played college soccer for Humber College where he won the Provincial and National Championship and was voted MVP of the national tournament.

Professional

Arango began his career in 2002 with the York Region Shooters in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. In 2003, he signed with the Montreal Impact of the USL A-League. After only making two appearances and playing 5 minutes he was traded in the off-season to their rivals the Toronto Lynx for defender Mauricio Vincello.
In his debut season in Toronto he played 22 games and scored his first goal on July 18, 2004, versus Calgary Mustangs. In his second season, he played 20 matches for the Lynx. At the conclusion of the season he was named the Toronto Lynx Defensive Player of the Year. On April 19, 2006, Arango signed a new deal with the Lynx.
During the 2006 season he was named Toronto Lynx Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year, and also led Toronto in minutes played with 2430 mins. He helped his team to a 10-game undefeated streak at home, and also reached the Open Canada Cup final, but finished runners up to Ottawa St. Anthony Italia.
When the season ended the Lynx were relegated two divisions down to the PDL, making him a free agent to sign for his former club the Montreal Impact. After a disappointing season he was released by the Impact at the end of the season, and on April 22, 2008, the Minnesota Thunder signed him and former Impact forward Frederico Moojen. On February 25, 2010, the NSC Minnesota Stars of the USSF Division 2 signed him.
Arango signed a two-year contract with FC Tampa Bay of the North American Soccer League on February 22, 2011. The contract also included a club option for 2013, although the 2013 option was declined on November 20, 2012. Following the 2013 NASL season, Arango announced his retirement on March 1, 2014.

Coaching

In January 2020, Arango was announced as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Rowdies U23 USL League Two side.

International

Arango also featured for the Canadian U20 team that made it to the quarter-finals in the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Honours

;Tampa Bay Rowdies