FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution announced today that Sainey Nyassi, a member of Gambia's 2007 Under-20 World Cup squad, has signed with Major League Soccer to play for the Revs. Per MLS and club policies, terms of the deal were not released. A midfielder, Nyassi will occupy one of the Revs' youth international roster spots.
Additionally, the Revolution announced that Arsene Oka and Ryan Solle have been released, and that the team had obtained FC Dallas' natural first-round selection in the 2008 Supplemental Draft in exchange for salary budget considerations.
Nyassi was a member of Gambia's U20 squad that advanced to the knockout rounds of the 2007 World Cup after defeating New Zealand (1-0) and Portugal (2-1). He started all four games in the midfield at the U20 World Cup
"We're pleased to add Sainey to the roster," Revolution Director of Soccer Michael Burns said. "He has seen tremendous success with the Gambian youth national team, and we're looking forward to developing his talents further with our team."
Nyassi was also a member of the Gambian team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2007 African Youth Championships earlier this year.
The Revolution (12-5-6, 42 pts.) current sit atop Major League Soccer's standings and lead the Eastern Conference. The Revs, who have a bye in the MLS schedule this week, will play in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup against the Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday, Sept., 4, at 7 p.m. at Veterans Stadium in New Britain, Conn.
SAINEY NYASSI
How Acquired: Signed by the Revolution as a youth international on Aug. 31, 2007
Position: Midfield
D.O.B.: January 31, 1989
Birthplace: Bwiam, Gambia
Hometown: Bwiam, Gambia
Height: 5-8
Weight: 135 lbs.
College: n/a
Last Team: Ports Authority FC (GAM)
Jersey Number: 31
