The New England Revolution have acquired Argentine defender Leonardo Squadrone, the club announced March 6.
Squadrone is a 25-year-old, left-footed player who is big (6-2, 180 pounds), and will likely start in the center or on the left side of the Revolution defense.
“We always felt we owed our tremendous fans a significant upgrade in our performance on the field in 1997,” said New England GM Brian O’Donovan. “With the addition of Leonardo Squadrone and our other two recent international signings [goalkeeper Walter Zenga and striker Chiquinho Conde}, we feel we have made significant strides toward achieving that goal.”
Squadrone most recently starred with Estudiantes de la Plata of Argentina’s First Division, and has also played for Lanus and Huracan Corrientes, also First Division clubs.
“Leonardo is an excellent defender who is extremely dangerous when going forward,” said Revs head coach Thomas Rongen. “He has the skills to potentially become one of the top defenders in MLS.”
Squadrone will be reunited with fellow Argentine Alberto Naveda at New England. The two were teammates on Argentina’s U-20 national team in 1991.
“I cannot wait to join the Revolution and begin competing in MLS,” Squadrone said. “I have heard that the Revolution has great support from the community and I look forward to playing in that environment.”
Squadrone is expected to join the Revs in Boston in less than two weeks.