Emmanuel Osei

An experienced central defender who can also play in the midfield, Osei joined the Revolution from Liberty Professionals in Ghana’s top league ... has drawn attention in the media for his on-field prayer before and after every game, in which he stands at midfield and raises his arms to the sky ... was discovered on a scouting trip to Ghana in the 2009 offseason ... signed with the Revs on March 31, 2009, and joined the team for his first training session on Friday, May 1, after receiving his P-1 Visa and arriving in the U.S. on Thursday, April 30.

2009: Made 23 appearances during his first season in MLS, all starts as a central defender in a four-man backline. Overall, made 29 appearances – all starts – including action in U.S. Open Cup, SuperLiga and the MLS Cup Playoffs. Made his MLS debut in the 1-1 draw with Chicago (May 9), just nine days after arriving in the United States and following just five training sessions with his new teammates. Started every game for which he was available after making his debut. Was shown a straight red card in the 31st minute of the 3-1 loss to Kansas City (June 13) and was suspended for the match at LA (July 4). Returned to the lineup to help the Revs earn three consecutive shutouts against Kansas City (July 11), Chivas USA (July 19) and Houston (July 25). Started the playoff-clinching, 1-0 win over Columbus (Oct. 25), but was forced out of the game at halftime with a left ankle injury. Started in the center of defense and played all 120 minutes in the Revs’ U.S. Open Cup match against the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL-2 (June 30). Started all three group-stage matches as a central defender in a four-man backline in SuperLiga, but missed the semifinal loss to Chicago (July 15) after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Atlas (June 28). Started as a central defender in both matches of the Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against Chicago in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Scored his first career MLS goal in first-half stoppage time of the 2-1 victory in Game 1 (Nov. 1), redirecting a glancing header from Kenny Mansally’s free kick.

BEFORE MLS: Began his career in 2001 with Ghanaian regional club Echomog, and moved to Suhum Maxbees of the Poly Tank Division One League a year later … transferred to Hearts of Oak SC in 2002, where he scored two goals in 31 appearances … moved to Turkey to play for Akçaabat Sebatspor (TFF Super League) in 2003 … Osei joined Livorno (ITA) in 2004 where he made six appearances before being loaned to FCU Timişoara (ROM) for the 2005 and 2006 seasons … at the conclusion of his contract, he played with ASV Cham (GER) in 2007, before returning to Ghana to play for Wa All Stars (2008) and Liberty Professionals (2008-09).

GHANA NATIONAL TEAM: Was a member of Ghana’s 2004 Olympic Team ... has been capped by Ghana’s senior national team.