Chicago Fire Soccer announced today the signing of Brazilian midfielder Willian Oliveira, acquired from W Connection of Trinidad and Tobago. Per Major League Soccer policy, terms of the contract were not released. The Fire used one of its six Discovery player slots to bring in Oliveira.
Oliveira will be classified as a Youth International player (24 years and under) alongside Fire defender Osei Telesford of Trinidad and Tobago, and per MLS guidelines, he will count towards the Fire's 18-man senior roster. He has trained with the "Men in Red" since the month of March, joining the club late in preseason training.
"We're pleased to add Willian to our roster," said Fire Head Coach Dave Sarachan. "He was brought to our attention and having watched him in training we feel we have added a player who has the ability to be a danger in the final third. He possesses good technique and is capable of scoring goals."
Following in the footsteps of Fire midfielder Thiago, the 22-year-old playmaker is expected to bring a bit of the famed Brazilian flair to the Fire midfield. Known for his speed and ability to transition from defense to offense, Oliveira is expected to add depth on the left side of the midfield.
Oliveira joins the Fire having spent four years in the W Connection program, playing for both the U20 and senior W Connection squads. In January of 2007, he helped the "Savonetta Boys" to a Caribbean Club Championship after downing rival San Juan Jabloteh 1-0. Oliveira has also played with Uniao Bandeirante Futebol Club and Esporte Clube Vitoria of Brazil.
22 Willian Oliveira
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'7" (1.70 m)
Weight: 165 lbs. (74.8 kg)
Born: May 31, 1984 in São Paulo, Brazil
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
Last Club: W Connection (Trinidad and Tobago)
How Acquired: Signed as a Discovery Player on 5-24-2007
