D.C. United announced today the club has acquired Jerson Monteiro from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a conditional 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick. United's roster included an open developmental spot for the 22-year old. The trade comes the day of the League's trade deadline and roster freeze.
"We are pleased to acquire a young striker, who we believe has the potential to flourish in our environment," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper.
Monteiro was originally selected by the Fire in the first round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft as the eighth overall selection. The Angolan native received his green card earlier this year and thus will count as a domestic player on United's roster.
This year, Monteiro has seen time in five League matches (one start), notching a goal in 154 minutes on the pitch. His lone goal came against D.C., when United topped Chicago 3-1 on June 16 at RFK Stadium. The forward has seen time in three Reserve Division matches (two starts) with the Fire, totaling 235 minutes.
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A four-year starter at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Monteiro was a three-time All-Conference USA player with the Blazers, named to the First Team in 2006 and Third Team in 2003 and 2005. Monteiro notched 34 goals and 16 assists in 77 collegiate appearances (74 starts). He was UAB's leading scorer during his freshman (eight goals, three assists), sophomore (seven goals, three assists) and senior (14 goals, seven assists). He was the second leading scorer on the team during his junior year, notching five goals.
