Portuguese Int’l Goncalves Added to Revs Roster

In move to add some much-needed experience to its fledgling defense, the New England Revolution signed a loan deal for veteran central defender Jose Goncalves on Thursday.

Goncalves, who arrives from Swiss Super League outfit FC Sion, has nine years of European experience on his resume.

“We’re pleased to add Jose to our squad,” Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said in a statement on Thursday. “We’ve been open about our desire to add another defender this off-season. With experience throughout Europe’s top leagues, we believe Jose will come in and be a positive addition to our club’s defense.”

The 27-year-old defender hails from Lisbon, Portugal, but moved to Switzerland with his parents when he was two. He commenced his professional career with FC Basel in 2002, and has spent the bulk of his career in Switzerland, with stops in Italy, Lithuania, Scotland and Germany along the way.

Now, with the United States as his next destination, Goncalves appears eager to continue career in an area of the country that boasts an especially dense Portuguese population.

“I’m ready to join my teammates and to start the hard work to make it a successful 2013 season,” Goncalves said. “I also look forward connecting and to become a productive member of the New England community.”

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