WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced Saturday the signing of Argentine midfielder Christian Gomez. Per league and team policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed. Gomez, 29, will be available for selection upon approval of his work permit and International Transfer Certificate. The 5' 8", midfielder will fill United's third Senior International slot on its roster.
"We are thrilled to announce the signing of Christian Gomez," said Dave Kasper, United technical director. "He is an exciting player who possesses tremendous attacking ability and creativity. His experience at the highest levels of soccer in Argentina will help him impact our team and Major League Soccer."
Gomez has proven to be an intelligent attacking midfielder who possesses good individual technique, the ability to create for his teammates and is able to finish scoring opportunities. He has amassed 79 goals in 345 matches during a 13-year career in the Argentine first and second divisions.
Gomez began his professional career during the 1991-92 season with Nueva Chicago in the second division (Serie B). In six seasons with Nueva Chicago, Gomez scored 46 goals in 155 games. In 1997, he joined first division (Serie A) power Independiente of Avellaneda, totaling 12 goals in 80 appearances through the 1999-2000 season. During his stay at Independiente, Gomez made appearances for the "Rojos" in the Supercopa and Copa Mercosur tournaments.
Gomez also spent part of the 1999-2000 season with Argentinos Juniors, another top-flight club in Argentina's Serie A. He returned to Serie B side Nueva Chicago for the 2000-01 campaign and helped the club gain promotion to the First Division for the 2001-02 season. He registered 14 goals in 63 matches during his second stint with Nueva Chicago.
For the 2002-03 season, Gomez re-joined Independiente and tallied one goal in 10 appearances before moving to First Division side Arsenal, his most recent club, where he tallied six goals in 30 games during the 2003-04 season.
