It’s Official: Lechner Signs

The New England Revolution has added much needed depth and competition to the backline. German fullback Florian Lechner has officially signed for the club.

“We believe Flo will be a solid addition to our defensive corps and he adds versatility and depth to that group,” General Manager Michael Burns said in a statement. “We were pleased with how Flo adapted to MLS’ style of play and how he interacted with our players when we was with us in Tucson during preseason.”

Lechner will be formally added to the team’s roster upon receipt of his U.S. P-1 Visa and his International Transfer Certificate. It appears unlikely that he would be able to play in the Revs match this Saturday at Sporting Kansas City.

Lechner’s contract with 2. Bundesliga (German 2nd division) club Karlsruher SC was through June 2013, according to German magazine Kicker, but after a management change at the club the 31-year-old was told he was no longer part of the team’s plans. He was allowed to join the Revs on a free

The 5-foot-10 native of West Germany went through the youth system at VfB Stuttgart and played for Stuttgart’s reserves (2001-2004) before transferring to F.C. St. Pauli in 2004.

Lechner played 10 games in the Bundesliga (first division) for St. Pauli in 2010/2011, before signing for Karlsruher in the summer of 2011. In total the German defender has played nearly 200 games in various German leagues, including 117 for St. Pauli.

Lechner, who trialed with the Revolution in Arizona, could challenge Chris Tierney for the left back spot or provide depth across the backline and serve as a mentor for rookie fullback Tyler Polak.

FLORIAN “FLO” LECHNER
Pronunciation: LECK-ner
Position: Defender
Date of Birth: March 3, 1981 (Ellwangan, Germany)
Hometown: Ellwangan, Germany
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170 lbs.
Previous Club: Karlsruher SC (GER)
Nationality: Germany
Status: International
Jersey Number: 2

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