The New England Revolution announced today that Senegalese central midfielder Niouky Desire has signed a contract with Major League Soccer to play for the Revolution. He will occupy one of the team’s eight international roster spots. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not released. He will join the team pending receipt of his U.S. P-1 Visa.
Desire, 23, has played Dakar-based Port Autonome for the past four seasons. Before joining Port Autonome, he featured for ASC Diaraf, another club based in Dakar, for four seasons.
“We’re pleased that we were able to bring Niouky to the Revolution,” Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. “He’s a traditional center midfielder who is comfortable in different formations, and he will give us depth in the middle of the field.”
The Revolution is currently in Orlando on a six-day training trip in Orlando, Fla., where they will play MLS foe FC Dallas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Revolution is scheduled to open the 2010 season on the road against the LA Galaxy on Saturday, March 27 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Revs are set to open their 2010 home slate on Saturday, April 10, when they host Toronto FC. Visit revolutionsoccer.net for more information.
Niouke Desire
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 160
DOB: March 28, 1986
Place of Birth: Pikine, Senegal
Hometown: Pikine, Senegal
Previous Club: Port Autonome (SEN)
Nationality: Senegal
Status: Senior Roster/International
Jersey Number: TBA
