Orlando City SC have signed a pair of players from Benfica as part of their affiliation with the Portuguese club.
The MLS expansion franchise have confirmed the capture of Rafael Ramos and Valdomiro 'Estrela' Lameira to multi-year deals which will commence immediately.
19-year old right-back Ramos and 18-year old defensive midfielder Estrela will join the Lions for the remainder of the USL PRO season before transferring to MLS when the Florida club officially joins the USA and Canada's top flight in 2015.
Orlando head coach Adrian Heath was thrilled to add the pair to his table-topping side while president Phil Rawlins spoke positively of the partnership with reigning Portuguese champions Benfica.
"We just think both players will bring something to our group," Heath told the club's official website.
"They're both young and hungry players, who want to do well, and I just think that they offer us something that we don't have at this moment in time. Moving forward into MLS, they'll both be two big pieces for us, so we're pleased to have them here."
Rawlins added: "The goal of our partnership with SL Benfica is to learn from the storied club and explore cross promotional opportunities but most importantly, identify talent that could play integral roles in our team's development."
