New Saprissa goalkeeper -- Kevin Briceño (above) -- grasps the ball in Costa Rica's 2011 Pan American Games match against Uruguay. (Photo: Mexsport)
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – In response to the expiration of Luis Michel’s loan agreement and his expected return to Mexico, newly crowned Costa Rica champion Saprissa was in search of another goalkeeper.
On May 15, it found one, announcing the acquisition Kevin Briceño on a three-year contract. He is initially thought to be a third option at the position behind Danny Carvajal and Donny Grant.
Briceño, who made his first-division debut with Orion against Limon in 2012, arrives from fellow first-division side Uruguay de Coronado for which he played 40 matches over a two-year period.
The 22-year-old has experience with Costa Rican youth national teams and played in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Michel, capped 15 times by Mexico, joined Saprissa on a six-month loan from Guadalajara in January. He helped the club to a record-breaking 30th league crown earlier in the month, but did not appear in either leg of the final against Alajuelense due to a right-calf injury.
As a result of winning the 2014 Verano title, Saprissa earned a berth to the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League and will participate in the confederation competition for the first time since the 2010/11edition.
