The New England Revolution announced that the team has signed midfielder Shalrie Joseph to a contact extension and that the team also signed forward/midfielder Connally Edozien. Both players are members of the Revs 18-man senior roster; neither count as international players. Per team and Major League Soccer policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Joseph, who holds a Green Card, returns for a third season with the Revolution. The Grenada international, originally drafted by the Revs in 2002, was an MLS All-Star in 2004 and is arguably the top defensive midfielder in MLS. In 51 career regular season games Joseph has two goals and five assists for 10 points.
"Shalrie is a tough player and a polished pro who has emerged as a real team leader," said Revolution head coach Steve Nicol. "We're certainly pleased to have him in the fold going forward."
Forward and midfielder Connally Edozien is a United States citizen who was born in Lagos, Nigeria, raised in London, England and came to the U.S. to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida where he was a two-time NAIA All-America. He played professionally for the Cincinnati Riverhawks (A-League), Bastia (France), FV Dresden (Germany), and the Cleveland Force (MISL).
"Connally is dangerous going at defenders with the ball at his feet and also has a good soccer brain," said Nicol. "We look forward to seeing him develop further in the professional environment provided by the club."
The Revolution opens its 10th season of MLS play at the San Jose Earthquakes at 10:00 pm (ET) on Saturday, April 2. The Revs' home opener is at 7:30 pm on Saturday, April 9 at Gillette Stadium versus the Columbus Crew; the match will feature a halftime performance by the Big Apple Circus. Call 1-877-GET-REVS for ticket information.
