Heath Pearce joins the Montreal Impact in Orlando

Heath Pearce has joined the Montreal Impact at its training camp base in Orlando Florida. The left back / central defender has not officially signed with the club. Pearce was released by the New York Red Bulls at the end of the 2013 season after undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

As mentioned earlier, no contract was officially signed so we can assume that Pearce's arrival is considered as a trial.

As a free agent, the defender can still participate in the Disney Pro Soccer classic. Having played six seasons in MLS, Pearce offers some flexibility and versatility to the coaching staff. Being able to play two positions, the added-depth should alleviate pressure on a back line that has suffered from being thin.

Pearce was making 340,736$ in guaranteed compensation and played an average of 17 games per season since joining MLS.

Heath Pearce's arrival is not a total coincidence as the Impact added that Nelson Rivas injured his hamstring during the friendly game against Orlando City SC on Sunday.

After an MRI, the injury was determined to be minor but the club send the player back to Montreal "to receive individualized treatment".