Seattle Sounders have announced the signing of Costa Rican defender Leonardo Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, 28, will join Sounders FC after completing his call in to the national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

He has been capped 59 times by Costa Rica, including three starts during the 2006 World Cup.

"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," said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC coach.

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