Wisconsin Soccer Central

Andrew Ribeiro (Green Bay Notre Dame) took an interesting route to becoming a Major League Soccer player.

The defender was selected by the New York Red Bulls in the fourth round of last year's MLS Supplemental Draft and spent time with them during preseason, but didn't sign with the club. Instead, he was a regular for the Harrisburg City Islanders in USL PRO throughout the 2013 season.

After the third-tier league's season wrapped up, Ribeiro joined the Chivas USA Under-23 team and impressed during Coast Soccer League play over the past three months, scoring three goals in 14 appearances for the second-place side.

On Thursday, Chivas USA announced the signing of the 23-year-old Ribeiro to an MLS contract. Per league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Andrew did a great job for us last year; he was able to fill in at center back after some critical injuries," City Islanders coach Bill Becher said in a news release confirming that the club had sold Ribeiro. "This is a great opportunity for Andrew and we wish him the best of luck in his endeavors."

The 6-foot, 180-pound Ribeiro, named a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America following his senior season at Creighton in 2012, had one assist in 24 appearances (18 starts) for the City Islanders last season.

Ribeiro also played two years in the USL Premier Development League, with the Chicago Fire in 2011 and the Portland Timbers Under-23s in 2012. After joining Chivas USA last fall, he started alongside former U.S. national team captain Carlos Bocanegra at center back in the team's 1-0 loss to FC Tucson in a friendly on Nov. 15.

Chivas USA, under new coach Wilmer Cabrera, opens its 10th MLS season on March 9 at home against the Chicago Fire in Carson, Calif.

Ribeiro is the fourth Wisconsin native to play for the club, following midfielders Jesse Marsch (Racine Case, 2006 to '09) and Mohammed Sethi (Mequon Homestead, 2007) and goalkeeper Patrick McLain (Eau Claire Memorial, 2012 and '13).

On Twitter: @Brazilribs

• Goalkeeper Alex Horwath (UW) signed with the Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO, staying in the league after playing with the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2012 and VSI Tampa Bay last year. He started his pro career as a pool keeper for Major League Soccer in 2010 and spent the 2011 season with the New York Red Bulls. The 26-year-old Horwath, who reportedly was on trial with Swedish second-division club Ljungskile earlier this month, had a 1.45 goals-against average and six shutouts in 23 league starts in 2013. The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported that while he will have competition, the 6-foot-3 Horwath is expected to be the Rhinos' starting keeper. "Very athletic, technically very good," coach Bob Lilley told the Democrat & Chronicle. "He knows how to play the position." On Twitter: @AlexHorwath

Editor's note: This article has been edited from its original version to reflect information that became available after posting.