Pinto makes first appearance with FC Edmonton squad

Chilean forward Yashir Pinto and his agent were at FC Edmonton’s training session Tuesday at the Victoria Soccer Centre. By Wednesday, if he passes his medical, he’ll be ready for full training as the newest member of the club.

Pinto arrives in Edmonton on a one-year loan from Chilean giants Colo-Colo.

And Pinto is looking forward to see members of Edmonton’s strong Chilean community. He was at a national-team training camp when Colo-Colo visited Edmonton in 2010, so Tuesday was his first full day in the city. So he’s looking forward to experiencing the city’s unique Chilean cultural feel for the first time.

Pinto said through a translator that he will be excited to play in front of Chilean fans in Edmonton, and that he’s looking forward to seeing them at the stadium — though FCE has yet to confirm where it will play this season.

“I’m excited to have the chance to meet them and to hear them chanting my name out there,” he said.

And, while he’s only had the chance to see one training session, he’s pleasantly surprised by the level of play.

“I like the level of play, and I am excited to be part of it. There seemed to be a great atmosphere with the players.”

As for the decision to come to Edmonton, he said that call was entirely made by Colo-Colo. Pinto spent last season on loan at Chilean second-division side Nublense.

And, when asked about what fans can expect from him, Pinto smiled.

“Lots of goals.”

If he does that, he’s going to get those fans chanting his name, all right.