Sainey gains permanent resident status

Gambia international Sainey Nyassi has gained permanent resident status from the U.S. government and will now count as a domestic player on the Revolution’s roster, Gambia Sports Online can reveal.

With the change to Sainey Nyassi’s residency status, the Revolution currently has three international players on its roster: Fernando Cardenas (Colombia), Diego Fagundez (Uruguay) and John Lozano (Colombia). The team now has five available international roster slots available.

Sainey began his career in The Gambia, playing in the GFA League First Division for Gambia Ports Authority. He was scouted by New England Revolution’s former head coach Steve Nicol while playing in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and signed with the Revolution shortly thereafter on Aug. 31, 2007 along with Gambian teammate, Abdoulie Kenny Mansally.

He made his MLS debut on September 9, 2007 against D.C. United as a substitute, playing the final eight minutes on the right wing. He made his first start and scored his first MLS goal on March 29, 2008 in the Revs’ 3-0 opening day victory over Houston Dynamo.

He has made 103 appearances in his five previous seasons, including 75 starts, while scoring eight goals and adding four assists.

He has represented Gambia at various youth levels. He played for the Gambian U-17 national team in the 2005 U-17 world championships, and for the U-20 national team in the 2007 U-20 FIFA Championships. He scored his first goal for the Scorpions of The Gambia on September 4, 2010 in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Namibia.