Revs Sign Striker Imbongo
- Updated: July 16, 2012
The Revolution added their second striker in three weeks by signing French forward Dimitry Imbongo on Monday.
The 22-year-old was acquired on a free transfer from the 1860 Munich system, which previously loaned him out to German third division club SV Darmstadt 98. In 13 games with Darmstadt during the 2011-12 season, Imbongo collected two assists but did not score.
“Dimitry will give us another option up front and provide us with more depth in our attack,” General Manager Michael Burns said in a statement on Monday. “When he was in training with us last month, he fit in well with our players and now we’re looking forward to his arrival back to Foxboro, this time on a permanent basis.”
Prior to signing, Imbongo trialed with the Revolution in June and went the full 90 in the club’s reserve game against Columbus on Jun. 17.
The 6-0 striker began his professional career in 2009 with the 1860 Munich reserves, and scored 16 goals in 16 games during his debut season.
Imbongo’s sophomore campaign saw him score six goals to go along with three assists in 25 appearances in 2010-11. Imbongo also featured on 1860 Munich’s U-19 team, where scored two goals in 17 games in 2008-09.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, per MLS and club policies. Imbongo, who hails from Kinshasa, Congo, will be officially added to the roster pending receipt of his U.S. P-1 Visa, and will count as an international player on the team’s roster.
Jim
July 16, 2012 at 7:33 pm
I figured they’d sign this guy. I’m curious to know you guys’ opinions. I figure they hope he turns into another Sene. (or another first quarter of the season Sene!) I also figure we will see him play soon with Jerry heading to the Olympics.
Long term though I wonder if this means a move to the wing for Sene or a possible formation change? Or just more depth up top.
Sean Donahue
July 16, 2012 at 8:37 pm
To be honest, Jim, I was a bit surprised to see him signed. I didn’t think he really stood out at all in the one game he played with the reserves and his recent numbers aren’t all that impressive. That said, I assume he showed well in training. I’m curious to see what kind of impact he’ll have.
Having 5 of 8 international roster spots tied up in strikers makes no sense to me, so I have to wonder if this is a precursor to a trade or someone getting waived.
Jim
July 17, 2012 at 1:16 pm
It is odd to have so many int. spots & a DP spot all used for strikers. (of course, that is a position that is hard to fill with domestic talent)
It’s especially odd considering the majority of fans still think the team will / should bring in a defender. Looks like Moreno may still be on the chopping block!
rick sewall
July 16, 2012 at 9:37 pm
I think they have enough forwards. This signing is a bit confusing to me. I hope it doesn’t confuse Heaps, who is doing well in my opinion.
Chris B
July 16, 2012 at 9:51 pm
I can just feel it…a BIG trade is coming relating to the top allocation spot.
Mat
July 17, 2012 at 12:56 am
I’m going to jump in on this confused opinion here. This guy doesn’t sound like that big of a catch and also “adding depth” the the roster also makes me wonder who is going to be traded or let go.
I actually hope Chris is right. I would love to see them make a trade (especially if Boca does go to another league) and bring in some proven MLS talent.
Or maybe they just enjoy having a ton of forwards so that there’s always competition and a few players who never see time on the 1st team. Idk.
Kari Heistad (@TravelingCEO)
July 17, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I suspect that Moreno might be out the door. He did not look happy at all at the Meet the Revs event (I might add even a little ticked off). He hasn’t been the successful guy we wanted. And, we are sitting on too many forwards and a great chance for some kind of trade. Feels like things are building to something, just not sure what at this point. I have faith in Jay who has done well thus far this season. He is a thinker (was as a player and appears to be as a coach) so I am sure there is a plan we aren’t aware of yet. Adding some help to defense would be good.