Sporting Kansas City announced Thursday the signing of defender Lawrence Olum.

Olum, 27, joins Sporting Kansas City after a brief trial period and will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. In keeping with team policy, terms of the contract will not be disclosed.

“He’s a versatile guy, and we’re looking for help in a couple different positions,” Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes said. “We feel that at this time in the year, we’re delighted to bring in a guy who’s just had a very good season.”

Olum moved to the United States as a teenager, playing four seasons of college soccer at Missouri Baptist University of the NAIA. Following the conclusion of his college career, Olum signed with the Portland Timbers, then of USL-1. Olum went on to make 44 appearances and score six goals in two seasons with the Timbers.

At the start of the 2009 season, Olum joined the Minnesota Thunder, making 28 appearances and scoring five goals before joining the Austin Aztex of the USSF D2 Pro League, where he helped lead the Aztex to a second place finish in the USL conference.

Following the conclusion of the 2010 season, Olum signed with Orlando City S.C. of USL PRO, making 21 appearances in the club’s inaugural season and scoring the club's opening goal in the championship match earlier this month.

Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) signs defender Lawrence Olum

VITALS

Defender

Number: 13

Height: 6-2

Weight: 185

Born: 7/10/1984

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Birthplace: Nairobi, Kenya

Citizenship: Kenya

Last Club: Orlando City SC (USL PRO)