NEW YORK (January 12, 2016) – The New York Cosmos announced today that Sierra Leone-born midfielder Michael Lahoud has joined the club on loan from MLS side, Philadelphia Union. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re pleased to announce this player as we head into the 2016 NASL season,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director Giovanni Savarese. “Michael is a very experienced player and his quality will be very important to us as we look to strengthen ourselves in the central midfield positions.”

Lahoud, 29, began his soccer career at Wake Forest University where he helped win the NCAA National Championship in 2007. During college he also played for USL side, Carolina Dynamo.

In 2009, Lahoud was drafted in the first round MLS SuperDraft by Chivas USA where he made 64 appearances and scored two goals. Three years later (2012) he was traded to the Philadelphia Union, making 58 appearances for the Union.

In 2013 Lahoud received his first national call-up with Sierra Leone, featuring in their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Equatorial Guinea.

His role off the pitch is equally as impressive. He was the August recipient of MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month honor in 2010 for his efforts with HIV prevention through The Wall Memorias Project. More recently in December 2015, Lahoud and national teammate and fellow-MLS player Kei Kamara were the co-recipients of the 2015 FIFPro Merit Award for their efforts in creating a school for children displaced by civil war in their native Sierra Leone.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Cosmos,” said Lahoud. “They have a great style of play and I’m looking forward to being part of it and helping the team retain their Championship."

In a separate transaction, Cosmos midfielder, Walter Restrepo was sold to Philadelphia Union.

“Walter came to us with an opportunity to go to the Union,” said Savarese.  “We are committed to helping our players on and off the field and we wish Walter the best of luck in Philadelphia.”

Restrepo made 29 appearances for the club, scoring three goals and making five assists.