MetroStars General Manager Nick Sakiewicz announced today that U.S. immigration officials have approved working papers for Brazilian midfielder/forward Gilmar, and the 31-year-old will join the team as the replacement player for injured Clint Mathis later this week, possibly in time for the MetroStars' next MLS regular season game in Dallas against the Burn this Saturday night.

Gilmar (6-1, 170), who most recently played for Brazilian club team Sao Caetano, previously played two seasons in MLS (1997 and 1998) with the Tampa Bay Mutiny. In 28 career MLS games, Gilmar collected 30 points (11 goals, eight assists), including eight goals and six assists in 16 games in 1997.

Gilmar, who is currently still in Brazil, will wear jersey number nine.