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Daigo Kobayashi will no longer take up an international slot as the midfielder has obtained a Green Card, according to Revolution staff writer and online host Jeff Lemieux.
Daigo has his green card. https://t.co/8n3voDsE7G
— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) December 17, 2015
Lemieux reported that Kobayashi's status changed "within the past two or three months." This leaves Portugal native Jose Goncalves as sole international on the New England Revolution's roster.
The 32-year-old Kobayashi joined the Revs in 2014 after one year with the Vancouver Whitecaps. In his first season in Foxborough, Kobayashi appeared in every regular season game.
Hampered by injury and age, the Japanese midfielder only featured in 21 games (11 starts) in 2015. Kobayashi recently re-upped with the Revs, ensuring that he will be playing in Gillette Stadium next year.
Although it's unlikely that Kobayashi will be a consistent starter in 2016, his experience will be important. In fact, there are only three players currently contracted by the Revolution that are 30 years or older.