The New England Revolution announced today that the club has signed midfielder Michael Videira to a Major League Soccer contract to play for the Revs. Per team and league policies, terms of the deal were not released. Videira will occupy one of the Revolution's senior roster spots.
Videira, 22, was originally selected by the Revolution in the second round (18th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, but chose to pursue options with European clubs rather than sign a contract with Major League Soccer at that time. The former Noble and Greenough School standout signed with Hamilton Academical of the Scottish Premier League in August, but was plagued by injuries during his stint and didn't make a first-team appearance for the club before being released in mid-December.
"When we drafted Michael last year, we were aware of his desire to play abroad," Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. "However, we're pleased to add him to our roster now that he's joined Major League Soccer."
An attacking midfielder and a product of Milford, Mass., Videira played his college soccer at Duke, where he was a three-time semifinalist for the Missouri Athletic Club's Hermann Trophy (2005, 2006, 2007) and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) third-team All-America selection in both 2006 and 2007. In 80 career games with the Blue Devils, Videira scored 17 goals and added 15 assists. As a senior in 2007, he played in 16 games, notching three goals and two assists while battling a leg injury. He is also a former member of the U.S. Under-18 and Under-20 National Teams.
The Revolution opens the 2009 season on Saturday, March 21, when the club travels to play the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Revs open their home slate on Saturday, April 4, when they host FC Dallas at Gillette Stadium. Season tickets are available by calling 1-877-GET-REVS.
Transaction: New England Revolution (MLS) - Signed M Michael Videira
Michael Videira
Pronunciation: vid-EAR-ah
Jersey No.: TBA
Position: Midfield
D.O.B.: Jan. 6, 1986
Birthplace: Milford, Mass.
Hometown: Milford, Mass.
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175 lbs.
College: Duke
Previous Club: Hamilton Academical Football Club (SCT)
Status: Senior Roster
How Acquired: Selected by the Revolution in the second round (18th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft; signed with the Revolution on December 29, 2008.
