FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution announced today that the team has signed Serbian midfielder Marko Perovic and Bermudian midfielder Khano Smith. Perovi? will occupy one of the team’s eight international roster spots and will join the team pending receipt of his U.S. P-1 Visa. Smith, who is a U.S. permanent resident, will count as a domestic player. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deals were not released.
Additionally, the team has waived Costa Rican defender Gabriel Badilla. With these transactions, the team has reached the 20-player limit on its senior roster.
“We’re pleased to bring in Marko and Khano,” Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns said. “Marko has a tremendous amount of experience in the top levels of European soccer and will give our attack an added dimension. Khano’s re-signing allows us added flexibility and depth in several positions.”
Perovic, 26, began his playing career with Serbian Superliga club Red Star Belgrade in 2000 after playing in FK Pristina’s youth system. He made 90 appearances with Red Star Belgrade, scoring 10 goals. After a brief loan to Jedinstvo Ub in 2003, Perovic returned to Red Star Belgrade and was eventually loaned out to FC Basel in the Swiss first division in 2008. In June 2008, Perovic signed with FC Basel where he made 28 appearances, scored eight goals and performed for the club during its run in the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League. He is also a former member of Serbia’s Under-21 national team.
Smith, 29, re-joins the Revolution for his second stint with the club after playing with Lincoln City of England’s League Two in the fall of 2009. Smith originally signed with the Revolution in 2005 and made 85 appearances with the club over four seasons, scoring eight goals and adding 11 assists, mainly playing on the left wing. He was selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft, and was later traded to the New York Red Bulls before the start of the 2009 season. He made eight appearances in New York before moving to Lincoln City last fall.
Badilla, 25, signed with the Revolution in August 2008 from Costa Rican club, Saprissa. He made six appearances with the Revs – all in 2008 – but did not make an MLS appearance for New England in 2009.
“We want to thank Gabriel for his time with us, and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Burns said.
The Revolution opens the 2010 season on the road against the LA Galaxy tomorrow, Saturday, March 27, at 11 p.m. ET, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Fox Soccer Channel will televise the game nationally, while Brad Feldman and Jay Heaps will have the call of the game on 98.5 The Sports Hub. 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 for follow the team on Twitter (@nerevolution).
TRANSACTION: New England Revolution (MLS) – Signed M Marko Perovic, M Khano Smith; waived D Gabriel Badilla.
Marko Perovic
Pronunciation: MAR-kho pear-ROVE-vitch
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165
D.O.B.: January 11, 1984 (Pristinia, Yugoslavia)
Hometown: Pristinia, Serbia
Previous Club: FC Basel (SUI)
Nationality: Serbia
Status: Senior Roster/International
Jersey Number: 17
Khano Smith
Pronunication: KAH-no
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-3
Weight: 190
D.O.B.: January 10, 1981 (Paget, Bermuda)
Hometown: Warwick, Bermuda
Previous Club: Lincoln City (ENG)
Nationality: Bermuda (U.S. Green Card)
Status: Senior Roster
Jersey Number: 18
