The New England Revolution signed Bolivian defensive midfielder Cristhian Machado on Monday.
Machado joins New England from Club Deportivo Jorge Wilstermann from the Bolivian Primera Division, a club he’s played for since 2008. Aside from a brief stint in the NASL with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2012, Machado played his entire career in his native country of Bolivia.
The 28-year-old started 10 games for Wilstermann in the 2018 season and he helped the club win the 2018 Torneo Apertura Championship earlier this year. In his 145 career appearances with Wilstermann, Machado scored two league goals.
Revolution General Manager Michael Burns said Machado brings versatility to the New England squad.
“We are happy to add a talented and experienced player in Cristhian who is capable of contributing in a variety of positions and roles on the field,” Burns said. “We believe his versatility and pedigree will immediately benefit the club and add competition to the roster.”
The Bolivian recently broke into his national team side and made his first appearance for the Bolivian national team in 2016. His debut came against Argentina on June 15, 2016, in the group stages of the Copa America Centenario. He featured in two more games during Bolivia’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Machado has prior connections the Revolution as well. While at Wilstermann, Machado played under manager Marcelo Neveleff, who now serves as an assistant coach for Brad Friedel in New England. While Machado was born in Bolivia and is a native Spanish speaker, he is a United States green card holder. The 28-year-old was also previously linked to the Revolution in early January, but the rumored two-year loan deal fell apart.
While Machado may not be the big name signing many fans crave, he brings valuable versatility to the Revolution squad. Machado normally plays as a defensive midfielder but can also play as an outright defender. With the seemingly continual poor form of the Revolution’s defense, the addition of a versatile defensive player is an obvious decision.
Machado will join the team after the completion of his international transfer certificate and will wear the No.13 jersey.
