Revs Add Jamaican Defender O'Brian Woodbine

Per a team announcement today, the New England Revolution has signed Jamaican outside back O'Brian Woodbine on a free transfer. A member of the Jamaica national team, Woodbine has been added to the team's roster as an international player and is expected to join the Revs at training for the first time on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Per club policy, further details of the deal are not disclosed.

"O'Brian has both professional and international experience and we're expecting him to come in, help push our team and provide depth the last few months of the season," Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said.

Woodbine, 25, has played professionally in his native Jamaica, the U.S., and Finland. He began his career in 2005 with Reno of the Jamaica National Premier League. While with Reno, he spent two seasons (2009, 2010) on loan to the Charleston Battery of the USL-2 in the U.S.

In 2011, Woodbine signed with Vaasan Palloseura (VPS) of the Finnish Premier Division where he played for two seasons, including a brief three-month loan to perennial Finnish power, HJK Helsinki.

Woodbine is a veteran of Jamaica's national team program, seeing time at the Under-17, Under-20, Under-23 and full national team levels. At the senior level, Woodbine has recorded 14 caps. He has started at left back in each of Jamaica's last three FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, including his last appearance on June 12, 2013, in a 2-0 loss to Honduras.

It's no secret that the Revs have needed depth at the fullback positions this year, so this move makes sense on that level. However, with Bilal Duckett and Tyler Polak returning from their loan spells with the Rochester Rhinos this month, coupled with Kevin Alston's return, it seems now that the Revs have a surplus of fullbacks at their disposal. The addition of Woodbine could suggest that the future of Alston, Duckett, Polak, or Darrius Barnes with the Revolution is in doubt.

Woodbine, who trialed with D.C. United earlier this summer, will add a great deal of experience to the Revolution backline and should improve their quality of depth at both left-back and right-back. The New England defense has certainly needed some pushing lately, so hopefully the Jamaican can help the Revs backline return to their stalwart ways.

Transaction: New England Revolution (MLS) - Signed D O'Brian Woodbine

O'BRIAN WOODBINE

Pronunciation: oh-BRI-an

Position: Defender

Date of Birth: January 11, 1988 (Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica)

Hometown: Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica

Height: 6-0

Weight: 170 lbs.

Previous Club: Vaasan Palloseura (FIN)

Nationality: Jamaica

Status: International

How Acquired: Signed as an international on a free transfer on Aug. 29, 2013
Jersey Number: 17