[MLS] Brazilian midfielder Marcos Paullo is the latest addition to the Red Bulls roster, which is steadily being re-shaped from last year's version. The 20-year-old (full name: Marcos Paullo Barcelos Peixoto) trained with the Red Bulls last year and played the final few minutes as substitute in their 2-1 victory over Manchester City July 25.

“We believe that Marcos is a bright prospect who can help us in the future,” said Red Bull New York general manager and sporting director Erik Soler in a team statement. “He impressed us during his trial last season and we are excited to bring him on board.”

Marcos Paullo is a product of the Goias Esporte Clube in Brazil. He played for that club on its under-18 and under-20 teams, and last year moved to Clube Atletico Paranaense without making a first-team appearance. He is 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, and joins English forward Luke Rodgers and Norwegian midfielder Jan Gunnar Solii as the international players signed in the revamping leading up to Coach Hans Backe’s second year in MLS.

Backe has said he expects perhaps one more international signing prior to the start of the season.

The midfield is starting to get crowded, with Joel Lindpere, Mehdi Ballouchy, Dane Richards, Tony Tchani and Brian Nielsen among the returnees from last year, and SuperDraft selection John Rooney and academy product Matt Kassel also on board. Backe has said Rafael Marquez will be utilized in the back line at times during preseason.

The Red Bulls have announced they will play an exhibition match against Mexican club Atlas, with which Marquez began his professional career, March 8, in Glendale, Ariz., at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Marquez debuted as a pro with Atlas in 1996 and played three seasons before joining French club Monaco. New York opens the regular season March 19 at home against Seattle.

Marcos Paullo will be added to the official roster once his International Transfer Certificate arrives at MLS headquarters.