Report: Revolution's Joseph in substance abuse program

According to a report in the Boston Globe, New England Revolution captain Shalrie Josephhas entered Major League Soccer's substance abuse and behavioral health program.

In the interim, New England has granted midfielder Joseph an indefinite leave of absence from the team to attend to personal matters.

The Revolution said Monday the 31-year-old Joseph left the team Saturday and will return at an unknown later date. No reason was given at the time, but Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns told the Boston Globe that the leave of absence was not soccer-related.

Joseph had missed the first two games of the season with a hip injury. Last season, the 31 year old had eight goals and eight assists and was a finalist in league MVP voting.