Former Inter Milan defender Nelson Rivas has become the first player to officially join incoming MLS outfit Montreal Impact.
The third Canadian franchise is set to enter North America's domestic league ahead of the 2012 season and they will be accompanied by Rivas, who has signed from Inter following loan spells in Italy and Ukraine with Livorno and Dnipro.
28-year old Rivas, who has represented Colombia on one occasion, will be eligible for MLS games in 2012 pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and work visa.