Originally published July 2, 2009 at 2:43 PM | Page modified July 2, 2009 at 2:49 PM

Sounders FC signs Costa Rican defender Leonardo Gonzalez

Sounders FC announced Thursday that the club has signed Costa Rican international defender Leonardo Gonzalez.

Seattle Times staff reporter

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When the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament concludes at the end of this month, Sounders FC will have a new player on the roster.

He's defender Leonardo Gonzalez, a native of Costa Rica who has appeared in 59 games for his national team, including three starts in the 2006 World Cup. Gonzalez, 28, will have his contract finalized after receiving his P-1 work permit and international clearance to play in Major League Soccer.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed per club policy.

"It's nice to have to have a naturally left-footed player. He can play left back, play center back in a pinch, and he can also play wide and run the whole line for us," Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said in a statement from the team. "He is an attacking left fullback with good size and athleticism. He's very willing to get forward out of a defensive position and does a good job defensively."

Gonzalez figures to shore up Seattle's left back position, which has been manned by three different players. Tyson Wahl is currently the starter.

Gonzalez last played for Liberia Mia, newly-crowned champion of the Costa Rican first division.

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