Nov. 26, 2013 – Revolution’s Jose Gonçalves named MLS Defender of the Year

The New England Revolution acquired Jose Gonçalves on loan from FC Sion, pairing him with A.J. Soares in central defense as the team returned to the playoffs after a three-year absence. But Soares departed after the Revolution reached the 2014 MLS Cup final, the team’s fortunes declining. Gonçalves was paired with five replacements for Soares in 2015, then left the Revolution after the 2016 season.

Gonçalves was also the highest-paid Revolution defender ($479,000 annually) until this season, when Benjamin Angoua ($654,000) was acquired on loan from Guingamp in France. Gonçalves, now with Northeast United (his teammates include former Revolution defender Sambinha) in India, has played for 11 teams in seven countries, winning the 2006 Scottish Cup with Hearts.. Gonçalves performed for Portugal’s junior teams, combining with Jose Fonte (West Ham United) and others on the back line.

Michael Parkhurst (2007), now with Atlanta United, is the only other Revolution player named MLS Defender of the Year. Chris Aduama photo

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