The Columbus Crew today announced that it has signed Costa Rican National Team defender Giancarlo Gonzalez.
The 26-year-old center-back most recently played in Norway's Tippeligaen for two seasons after playing in Costa Rica's Primera League from 2008-2012. Gonzalez will be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa. Per club and MLS policy, additional terms of the signing were not disclosed.
"Giancarlo is a very experienced, young and promising center-back," said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. "He has experience in Europe and international experience with the Costa Rican National Team. He's been a solid starter all through FIFA World Cup Qualifying for Costa Rica and we feel he is going to be a good addition to our team.
"He's dangerous on offensive set pieces and he's a good passer of the ball," continued Berhalter. "He's good in one-v-one tackling and he has leadership qualities. He's proven that he can win with Alajuelense in Costa Rica and with the Costa Rica National Team, so we like all of those qualities."
