D.C. United added to their attacking arsenal Thursday by securing the signature of Brazilian midfielder Fred. He will occupy the third of United's four Senior International slots.
Fred, whose full name is Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva, comes to the Black-and-Red from Australian A-League champions Melbourne Victory FC. In his only season in the Australian capital in 2006-07, Victory won both the regular season title and the A-League Grand Final.
"We are very pleased to have concluded a deal to have Fred join D.C. United," said United technical director Dave Kasper. "He is coming off an outstanding season in Australia, where he was instrumental in Melborne's terrific season, and we are excited about his 10 years of top level playing experience in Brazil.
"Fred has terrific athletic and technical qualities, and has proven to be a dynamic attacking player. He will be an excellent fit with our style of play, and we look forward to his immediate availability for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and for the start of the MLS regular season."
Fred has already joined his D.C. United teammates in Guadalajara, Mexico as they prepare to face Mexican giants Chivas on April 3 in the second leg of their Champions' Cup semifinal. The four-time MLS Cup champions will need to ramp up their attack if they are to win the tie after playing to a 1-1 draw in Washington on March 15.
The 27-year-old playmaker could be exactly what they need. He scored four goals and tallied nine assists for Victory last season, and he provided four assists in the Grand Final as Victory dismantled Adelaide United 6-0. For his efforts, Fred was named the A-League Co-Player of the Year on March 7.
Prior to his time in Australia, Fred played 10 seasons with Brazilian side America-MG, scoring 20 goals in 80 appearances. He has also played for Brazilian club Guarini.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
