TORONTO - Toronto announced Tuesday the acquisition of 23-year-old midfielder Eric Avila from FC Dallas in exchange for forward Maicon Santos.

A second-round draft pick in 2008, Avila joins Toronto after scoring one goal in 13 appearances for the Hoops in 2011.

Having represented the U.S. at the U-20 level, Avila’s ability to create opportunities off the dribble while being a threat in behind opposing back-lines adds to TFC’s current playing philosophy and the system that head coach Aron Winter is attempting to implement.

“He is an attacking midfielder that fits into our immediate and long-term plans,” Winter said. “I’d like to thank Maicon for his contributions to our club.”

Avila should settle into a 4-3-3 formation that asks a lot of its outside attackers and allows them to run at isolated wing backs before providing quality service — a role Santos never worked in.

According to FCDallas.com, Santos learned of the trade before TFC’s 2-2 draw in Portland.

“I was kind of surprised,” he said. “I like (Dallas’) style and I like the team. It will be good for me.”

Toronto’s leading goal-scorer in 2011, Santos fell out of favour after a number of poor performances leading up to being replaced before half-time in Kansas City.

The Brazilian didn’t dress for the following fixture against Real Esteli.

Santos leaves TFC after scoring 10 goals in 32 appearances.