The LA Galaxy saw LD Alajuelense twice this past calendar year in CONCACAF Champions League. Manager Bruce Arena liked what he saw in midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, enough to sign him to an MLS contract. The 30 year old Brazilian was acquired on a free transfer, and has his P-1 visa approved earlier today.
Marvelo Sarvas came out of the Corinthians youth system in Brazil. He went to Europe in 2004 and bounced around the Swedish league. He signed with Alajuelense on January 17, 2011, making 21 appearances in thirty games during the year. This includes all six of Alajuelense's Champions League appearances.
In his time in Costa Rica, Sarvas helped Alajuelense win the 2011 Verano title and a berth in the 2011 Invierno championship. He scored three goals, including two in the recent Invierno. Costa Rica, like Mexico, crowns two champions a year, holding two separate competitions.
Sarvas is pegged as a holding midfielder, much like Juninho, which is a spot the Galaxy need more support at. Michael Stephens, the recent draft pick from UCLA, and Chris Birchall play more of a defensive midfielder role, while Mike Magee is a wing runner. When Juninho wasn't available due to a red card in the MLS playoffs, his absence showed in that transition from midfield play to attacking third.
For more on the LA Galaxy, this signing, and why the Galaxy should never go back to Teal, check out www.lagconfidential.com.