The off-season continues to be busy for the New England Revolution as the team has signed central defender Jose Goncalves on loan with a purchase option from Switzerland's FC Sion.
Goncalves, a Portuguese national, most recently played in the Swiss Super League making five appearances for FC Sion. The 27-year old has played nine years in various European leagues and has also made appearances for Portugal's Under-21 national team.
Revolution General manager Michael Burns was "pleased" to add a player with so much experience in Europe's top leagues to the New England roster.
The excitement was mutual for Goncalves.
"What a great start to the New Year," Goncalves said. "I'm happy to play for the Revolution and start a new career chapter in Major League Soccer. The entire organization, along with my new teammates, was very welcoming when I came in November to see the facilities and meet with everyone. It was great to see how the club was run and only further supported my decision to come to New England. I'm ready to join my teammates and to start the hard work to make it a successful 2013 season. I also look forward connecting and to become a productive member of the New England community."
Goncalves will be added to the Revolution's roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and his U.S. P-1 Visa and will be available to play once the season begins.