Costa Rica defender Leonardo Gonzalez enjoys first Seattle Sounders practice

Seattle Sounders have welcomed Costa Rica international defender Leonardo Gonzalez to his first practice session today.

"The team, the people, very supportive and they've made me feel good," Gonzalez, who has joined from Municipal Liberia, told the Seattle Times. "And I'm glad to be here."

Gonzalez might not be ready to play this weekend when Sounders FC travels to San Jose. He must improve his fitness and get adjusted to his new team's style of play.

"You don't want to throw him in there before he's really gotten a little bit of knowledge of the team and a little bit of integration within the team," coach Sigi Schmid said. "He's obviously someone we're looking at at the left-back position, and he can also play wide left at midfield, could play as a center back as well."