D.C. United announced today midfielder Fred will join Australian side Wellington FC Phoenix as a guest player on a short-term loan. The Brazilian will be eligible to play six matches with the Phoenix starting with their match on Sunday, Nov. 23. Fred previously played in Australia during the 2006-2007 season, when he led the Melbourne Victory to the A-League championship and was named the league's best player.
"Fred really wants to continue playing and maintaining his fitness during our off-season, so we have agreed to this short-term loan," said United's General Manager Dave Kasper.
During the 2008 MLS season, Fred was limited to 23 games (20 starts) due to a number of minor injuries. He totaled two goals and four assists in 1,690 minutes played in League games and also provided another two goals and two assists in other competitions, including the game-winner in the team's 2-1 U.S. Open Cup final win over the Charleston Battery on 9/3. In all competitions, Fred played in 37 games (31 starts) notching a total of four goals and six assists.
