New England sign Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla

Story courtesy Revs Communications

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (August 18, 2008) - The New England Revolution announced today that the club has signed Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla (bah-DEE-uh) to a Major League Soccer contract to play for the Revs pending U.S. P-1 Visa approval. He will occupy one of the team's seven available international roster spots. Per MLS and club policies, terms of the deal were not released.

Badilla, 24, comes to the Revolution from Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica's Primera División, where he has spent his entire professional career. He made his debut with Saprissa in November 2001 and has appeared in more than 130 matches for the "Monstruo Morado." He has helped Saprissa earn five national championships, including each of the last four. Badilla was also a member of the Saprissa team that earned a third-place finish at the 2005 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan following its 2005 CONCACAF Champions Cup title.

Badilla is also a member of the Costa Rica National Team, with which he has earned 12 caps and competed in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. In 2001, he also captained Costa Rica's entry at the FIFA Under-17 World Championship. He has been called in by Costa Rica for the team's upcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against El Salvador on Wednesday, Aug. 20, in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"We're pleased we are finally able to bring Gabriel to the Revolution," Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. "He is a strong, versatile defender who has gained tremendous club and international experience at a young age. With so many extra games on our schedule this season, Gabriel will give us added defensive depth as we prepare for a busy fall."

The Revolution next faces rival D.C. United on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. TV38 will televise the game live. For more information, visit www.revolutionsoccer.net or call 1-877-GET-REVS.

Gabriel Badilla Segura
Pronunciation: bah-DEE-uh
Position: Defender
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165 lbs.
DOB: June 30, 1984
Place of Birth: San Jose, Costa Rica
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
Previous Club: Saprissa (CRC)
Nationality: Costa Rica
Status: International
Jersey Number: 4