Carrying the burden of Major League Soccer's bleak history on Mexican soil, D.C. United enters the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions' Cup semifinal Tuesday with CD Guadalajara as the firm underdog. But the Black-and-Red can finally look to their newest acquisition for the inspiration that they will need in the intimidating confines of the Estadio Jalisco.
Late last week United resolved its drawn-out negotiations with Australian club Melbourne Victory over the international transfer certificate of Brazilian attacker Fred, allowing the reigning A-League Most Valuable Player to kick off his MLS career against Chivas. Though United's coaching staff would prefer to gradually work him into the squad, Fred's debut could instantly influence the heated series, which stands delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw at RFK Stadium 17 days ago.
"He's a versatile player," said United head coach Tom Soehn. "He's got to slowly but surely figure out how we do things here and how he fits into that plan. It will all be up to how he adjusts to our system and what our needs are."
Fred has been working out with D.C. for several weeks as the transfer saga played out, giving him time to work up to full match fitness and acclimate to the side's style of play.
"I bring good physical fitness to the team. I can move very well down the right side of midfield," said Fred, through a translator. "I feel very good. I'm prepared physically if I have to play."
His presence on the right wing would give United width and attacking flair that has been limited due to the team's use of three defensive midfielders thus far this year.
"He'll be part of the 18, but I think the game will determine that," said a guarded Soehn on Friday. "Right now it's too early to say."
That caginess is little surprise given Chivas' keen information gathering in advance of the second leg, with scouts having watched United's scrimmage against Tecos UAG last Tuesday in the Mexican city. But it seems clear that Fred (full name Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva) has a role to play, whether in the first XI or as a substitute.
"Like most Brazilians, he's very technically sound," said Soehn. "He's got a good work rate and his personality fits in real well with what we try to accomplish."
Fred cited the allure of international competition as a major factor in his decision to leave the fledgling Australian league behind and move to MLS. Should he help guide D.C. into the Champions' Cup final, he will surely become an instant hero to United's supporters.
"D.C. is a great professional club. They have a great organizational structure, and I'm really happy to be here," he said. "United plays a good style - they keep possession of the ball. Their touches are very good, they have good, technical players. It's very similar to Brazilian football, so I'm very comfortable with the way the team plays."
With the exception of a MetroStars forfeit victory in the Copa Merconorte six years ago, no MLS team has ever defeated a Mexican side on their home turf. Cognizant of this, D.C. has worked to negate as many of Chivas' innate advantages as possible, traveling to Guadalajara a week early to acclimate to the local climate.
"For the most part, it was about getting up in some altitude and adjusting to what it's going to be like here," said Soehn. "Where we're at is pretty remote, so we've been able to focus, not just on ourselves but on our opponents."
The Mexicans knocked United out of their typical possession rhythm for much of the first-leg draw at RFK Stadium, but the Black-and-Red took heart from Luciano Emilio's late equalizer and are confident that they can break down the Chivas defense again.
"I think we're going to be a little bit smarter [in dealing] with their pressure," said Soehn. "Ultimately, we're going to play the way we know how to play. I truly believe that some of their weaknesses are our strengths. So if we can take advantage of those situations, we're going to create some opportunities - though creating opportunities doesn't win games. You've got to finish those opportunities."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
