Two months, two reserve matches and a friendly have given Sporting Kansas City enough time to learn about midfielder Peterson Joseph. On Thursday, the club announced it had signed Joseph and was preparing to add him to the roster.
Joseph, 21, is from Haiti. He will wear No. 19 and help at a position where injuries have left the team thin.
"Peterson is a good, young talent, with strong qualities that over time will make him a valuable asset to the way we play," coach Peter Vermes said in a statement. "We've been trying to complete this signing for a while and we are excited to add him to our roster at such a critical time in our season."
Joseph's deal with the team took awhile to get done as Sporting KC made a rights agreement with SC Braga, the Portuguese club he had been with since 2007. All that remains is for Joseph to get his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
His nickname is "the Haitian Xavi," a reference to Spanish international and Barcelona midfielder Xavi. And like that legendary player, Joseph figures to play the central midfield position.
"He's very composed and has an excellent first touch on the ball," Vermes told MLSSoccer.com. "He's got a very good sense for the game in the middle of the midfield, but he can go both ways. He can attack. He can defend. He's got both. He's also really good in tight spaces but sees the game long as well."
That's just what Sporting KC needs. With midfielders Jeferson, Davy Arnaud and Craig Rocastle nursing injuries, Joseph could provide an impact.
"For me it is a change to come from Europe, obviously, but this is a step up in my career so I am happy to be able to provide my skills to the team and help the team score goals," Joseph said in a statement. "I feel that my pace and my experience can hopefully help the team win a championship this year."
Sporting KC is second in the Eastern Conference ahead of Monday's 6 p.m. ET home match against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
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