CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, December 13, 2011) – The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has signed Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Fazzio Sarvas on a free transfer, pending the successful completion of a physical and the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. The 30-year-old, who received his P-1 Visa earlier today, joins the Galaxy from LD Alajuelense in Costa Rica’s Primera Division, who he recently helped reach the 2011 Torneo de Invierno final against C.S. Herediano. Per club and league policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
READ: Sarvas to join LA from CCL foes Alajuelense
A skillful and talented midfielder, Sarvas is capable of playing in the center of midfield or on either wing. A product of the successful Corinthians youth system in Brazil, Sarvas appeared in 15 games in all competitions last season for Alajuelense, playing in nine league games during the Invierno and all six of his club’s CONCACAF Champions League matches, including both games against the Galaxy.
After beginning his career in his native Brazil, Sarvas went to Europe in 2004 at the age of 23, signing with Karlskrona AIF of the Swedish Sodra Gotaland. A year later he moved to fellow Swedish club Mjallby AIF and then to IF Limhamm Brunkeflo. Ahead of the start of the 2009/10 European season, Sarvas was on the move again, joining KSP Warszawa in Poland. After one and a half seasons in Poland in which he scored two league goals, Sarvas moved to Costa Rica, signing with Alajuelense on Jan. 17, 2011.
In one year with the Costa Rican champions, Sarvas helped lead Alajuelense to the 2011 Verano title and a berth in the 2011 Invierno championship. He appeared in 21 of the club’s 30 league games in that time, scoring three times, including twice during the recent Invierno.
Sarvas and the Galaxy will open the 2012 MLS season at The Home Depot Center on Saturday, March 10 in MLS First Kick 2012, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Time, opponent and broadcast information for this game will be included in the entire regular season schedule, which will be announced upon its completion. For more information about this game or to purchase tickets, please visit the club’s official website at www.lagalaxy.com.
GALLERY: Marcelo Sarvas in CCL action
