— The Carolina RailHawks have signed former Mexican international Omar Bravo.

Sportcaster Fernando Fiore first reported the news via Twitter. RailHawks officials confirmed the signing late Monday.

SOCCER... A person close to the negotiations has confirmed that Mexican star Omar Bravo will be presented as the newest @RailHawksFC player — FERNANDO FIORE (@FernandoFiore) July 12, 2016

Bravo is already in the Triangle and is scheduled to be officially introduced at halftime of Tuesday’s friendly against West Ham United at WakeMed Soccer Park.

The 36-year-old forward is the all-time leading scorer in the history of Chivas de Guadalajara of Liga MX, netting 132 goals and appearing in over 380 matches during his time in Guadalajara. Indeed, Bravo captained and scored a goal for Chivas just two days ago in their SuperCopa MX win over Veracruz.

Bravo’s resume includes stints with Sporting KC in 2010-11 and Cruz Azul in 2012-13.

Bravo also had 66 caps and 15 goals for the Mexico National Team from 2003-2013, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2003 and 2009.

“Obviously the first thing you look at is his goals and his goal scoring pattern," RailHawks head coach Colin Clarke said. "Wherever he’s been he has always been prolific. He’s a national team player, capped over 60 times. The other little intangibles are going to be his experience and having won championships and been through tough times and coming out the other side.”



Bravo’s signing is arguably the most notable in RailHawks history. Carolina brought in former Rangers star Nacho Novo in 2014. The club also signed former Uruguayan international Marcelo Romero in 2009, but injured knees kept Romero from ever appearing in a league game for the RailHawks.

Somewhat remarkably, Bravo will be the first Mexican player ever signed by the RailHawks in their 10-year history.

“I am ecstatic to begin another challenge in my career,” Bravo said. “I am grateful for Colin [Clarke] for having confidence in me. I am coming to a league with a lot of tradition in the United States and it’s an honor for me to be a part of a league that has a rich tradition and had players such as Pelé, Beckenbauer and Raul.”

The RailHawks are awaiting approval of Bravo’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Bravo could be available for the RailHawks as soon as this weekend’s road match at the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.