Rayo OKC Adds Veteran Presence With Michel, Kimura Signings

Rayo OKC added two more players to its roster on Thursday with Kosuke Kimura and Michel Garbini Pereira, simply known as Michel, putting oen to paper on contracts.

The veteran players will bring experience and leadership to the team as it prepares for its inaugural season in the NASL.

“We are thrilled to bring in Kosuke and Michel to Oklahoma City,” head coach Alen Marcina said. “These two excellent, veteran players are going to provide leadership both on and off the field.”

Kimura, 31, is a 5-foot-9 attacking outside back with vast MLS experience, having played nearly 200 matches in the league during his professional career. He played eight seasons from 2007 through 2014 with the Colorado Rapids, Portland Timbers, and New York Red Bulls, respectively. In 2015, Kimura was a team leader with the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL. 

Pereira. 34,  is a 6-foot-2 left-footed midfielder/defender with playing experience in some of the top professional leagues in the world.  Pereira has played in the Brazil Serie A, the top-flight league in Brazil, the Greece Super League, and has experience in the UEFA Europa League and in MLS. He also played on the Brazilian U-23 national team in 2003. The list of professional clubs Michel has played for include Atletico Mineiro, Standard Liege, Atletico Paranaense, Nautico, Vila Nova, Aris FC, and FC Dallas. 

“Michel is widely considered to be one of the best free-kick specialists in MLS, and provides a different attacking dimension for the club,” Marcina said. “He possesses the skill set to be dangerous on all dead-ball situations. We are excited to have the experience and leadership both of these players provide by joining the team.”