Leo Gonzalez returns to Costa Rica with his first pro club

Leo Gonzalez is going home. The former Seattle Sounders left back has signed a contract with Herediano, the club with whom he started his professional career in 2000. Gonzalez played for Herediano for seven years, making 154 first-team appearances before a short stint with Municipal Liberia that directly preceded his move to the Sounders. It was during his time at Herediano that Gonzalez became a regular with the Costa Rica national team.

In returning to Herediano, Gonzalez effectively closes the book on his Sounders playing career. There is, however, a chance that he'll eventually return in some capacity, whether it be as a coach or otherwise.

For much of Gonzalez's Sounders career, he battled for playing time. But each time a contender would emerge, Gonzalez would manage to become the first-choice player by the season's end. Whatever he lacked in flair, he more than made up for with tenacious defending.

Gonzalez finishes his Sounders career with 151 MLS appearances, third most in franchise history behind Osvaldo Alonso (194) and Brad Evans (166). Gonzalez made 35 more appearances in U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play.