Leo Gonzalez takes it easy in training (Chris Coulter Photo)

The Sounders announced on Tuesday that Costa Rican defender Leo Gonzalez received his US Immigration Green Card.

He will no longer count as an International Player on the Sounders’ Roster.

Press Release

RENTON, WASH. – The Seattle Sounders FC announced today that defender Leo Gonzalez has received his U.S. Green Card, granting him permanent resident status in the United States, effective immediately.

As a resident, Gonzalez will no longer occupy an International Player slot on Seattle’s roster.

Gonzalez, a native of Costa Rica, is in his third season with Sounders FC. He has started 41 matches at left back since arriving midway through the 2009 season, scoring one goal and adding one assist last year.

Seattle plays the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Gonzalez after a Summer 2010 Training Session.

It’s a slow day when this is worth its own post.

Leo Gonzalez has changed his jersey number from 19 to 12 (formerly worn by Nate Sturgis); the number he wore for his previous clubs as well as the Costa Rican National Team.

Two of the Sounders acquired at the end of the 2010 calendar year also were assigned numbers. O’Brian White will wear #13 on his jersey.

Swedish midfielder Erik Friberg will wear #8.

Later today is the MLS Supplemental Draft where additional players can be picked up by Sounders FC.

Of course, our roster page has now been updated.

Thanks to Chris Coulter and SoundersPhotos.com for the image.

MLS has both Leo Gonzalez‘s left footed blast and Steve Zakuani‘s volley sneaking under the crossbar as nominees for Goal of the Week.

Currently, Leo has 49% of the vote.

RENTON, WASH. – The Seattle Sounders FC announced today that the Costa Rica National Team has called in defender Leo Gonzalez for two World Cup qualifiers.

Costa Rica hosts Trinidad & Tobago on October 10 and plays the United States in Washington, D.C., on October 14.

The Sounders FC has a bye in its schedule after Saturday’s match at Columbus and does not play again until October 17 in Kansas City.

Gonzalez, who has 60 international caps, was last called in by Costa Rica for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July. He played the full 90 minutes for the Ticos against El Salvador on July 3.

Going into the final two CONCACAF group qualifying games, Costa Rica (4-4-0) is fourth with 12 points. The U.S. leads with 15, followed by Mexico (13) and Honduras (12).

The top three teams qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The fourth-place team will face South America’s fifth-place team in a playoff to determine another berth.

Gonzalez has started the last eight MLS matches at left back for Seattle. He also was in the first XI for the U.S. Open Cup Final.

He played in the recent Gold Cup and was tagged with a yellow card against El Salvador.

Brad Evans substituted in for the US in the 63′ minute of their 4-0 win over Grenada. He received a yellow card for entering the field of play too early.

The newest Sounder, Leo González played all 90 minutes in Costa Rica’s 2-1 loss to El Salvador. He was cautioned in the 8th minute for reckless play.

Next, Costa Rica will face Jamaica tomorrow the 7th at Columbus Crew Stadium.

The US will take on Honduras on Wednesday at RFK Stadium in DC.

Leonardo González played for Costa Rica in the 2006 World Cup

We mentioned it last week, it’s official now- Seattle Sounders FC have Signed Costa Rican National Team Defender Leonardo Gonzalez.

The 28-year old González has 59 caps for the Costa Rican National Team and represented them in the 2006 World Cup. He last played for Municipal Liberia int eh CR Primera Division.

There is no doubt that Leo could secure a wing back position for the Sounders and help firm up the defense. He will join the squad after the Gold Cup.

Press Release:

Sounders FC Signs Costa Rica International Gonzalez

RENTON, WASH. – The Seattle Sounders FC have signed Costa Rican defender Leonardo Gonzalez, it was announced today. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms were not disclosed. Gonzalez’s signing will be finalized upon receipt of his P-1 work permit and International Clearance.

Gonzalez, 28, will join Sounders FC after completing his call in to the national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He has been capped 59 times by Costa Rica, including three starts during the 2006 World Cup.

“It’s nice to have to have a naturally left-footed player. He can play left back, play center back in a pinch, and he can also play wide and run the whole line for us,” said Sigi Schmid, Sounders FC coach. “He is an attacking left fullback with good size and athleticism. He’s very willing to get forward out of a defensive position and does a good job defensively.”

Costa Rica currently leads the final round of 2010 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF. There are five qualifiers remaining, beginning August 12 at Honduras.

The Ticos open Gold Cup play on July 3 against El Salvador in Los Angeles. They face Jamaica in Columbus on July 7 and complete group play versus Canada on July 10 in Miami. The Gold Cup runs through July 26, with the final being played in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Gonzalez last played for Liberia Mia, newly crowned champion of the Costa Rican first division. Previously he was with Club Sport Herediano, which was runner-up in 2007.

Transaction: Seattle Sounders (MLS) – Signed MF Leo Gonzalez

Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 174
Birthdate: 11/21/1980
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
Last Club: Liberia Mia (Costa Rica)