Thu Aug 7 12:32:40 2008

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Red Bulls sign Venezuelan defender Cichero

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Secaucus, NJ (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York has signed Venezuelan defender Gabriel Cichero.

Cichero, 24, has earned 10 caps for the Venezuelan National Team, scoring his first international goal in a friendly against Colombia in May.

"We're excited to bring Gabriel on board as we head into the final stretch of the season," Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos said. "Gabriel has proven himself in a number of leagues that he is a very complete defender and we are confident that he will make an immediate impact."

He last played for Deportivo Italia of the Venezuelan First Division, appearing in 23 games. In 2007, the 6-foot-1, 176-pound defender also played for Vihren Sandanski of the Bulgarian First Division.

Cichero started his career with the Montevideo Wanderers of the Uruguayan First Division from 2003-06, featuring in 35 matches and scoring one goal. At the end of his stint there, the Caracas, Venezuela native was loaned out to US Lecce of the Italian Serie A, where he played in four games.

He made his debut for New York in Wednesday night's friendly against Barcelona. Cichero came on at halftime and finished the match, a 6-2 loss. He could make his debut in Major League Soccer on Sunday against D.C. United.

Per league and club policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.