Veteran defender Heath Pearce has landed with his fourth Major League Soccer team in five seasons after inking a deal with the Montreal Impact on Thursday.
Pearce, 29, spent the past two seasons with the New York Red Bulls, but he was let go by the team last fall. He was limited to just 14 appearances for the Red Bulls last season after suffering a hip injury that required season-ending surgery.
As per MLS policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.
Pearce has also played for FC Dallas and Chivas USA since joining MLS in 2009 following a successful career in Europe. He’s a three-time MLS All-Star selection.
"Having played over 100 games in this league, his experience and soccer savvy will bring a lot to the team," Impact sporting director Nick De Santis said in a statement. "He is a natural left back, who will give us more depth on defense and who can contribute to the offence as well. Heath is highly motivated to get back to the level that saw him on the national team at one point in his career."
Pearce was one of the final cuts made by former US national team head coach Bob Bradley on the 30-man prelimlinary roster for the 2010 World Cup. He’s earned 35 caps in his career.
Prior to his MLS debut with Dallas in 2009, Pearce played in Europe for FC Nordsjealland, in the Danish first division, and with Hansa Rostock, in both the first and second divisions in Germany.
The Impact open the season at Dallas on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, MLS Live).
