Fred to D.C.

Just in time to join his new team before the season, D.C. United has officially added Fred to the roster. The signing has been pending while DCU worked out terms with the Brazilian's old team, Melbourne Victory, and the Australian A-League. Fred has already joined the team in Guadalajara ahead of United's second-leg match against Chivas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

"Fred has terrific athletic and technical qualities, and has proven to be a dynamic attacking player. He will be an excellent fit with out style of play," said United technical director Dave Kasper.


TJ's take: Fred will join an attack that has already been improved this off-season by the signing of Luciano Emilio. D.C. United looks to have a squad capable of a very potent attack and should help them repeat as winners of the Supporters Shield. From what I've heard from Australian fans, Fred is a dynamic player and will give defenders fits in MLS. Melbourne supporters are very displeased with his exit.

Freddy Out, Fred In

According to everyone's favorite Washington Post sportswriter Steven Goff, the deal is done: Fred will be in a D.C. United uniform this season. The team is waiting for Fred to get international clearance and a work visa before they officially announce the signing, but it could be announced next week, a source close to the negotiations said.

Fred's deal will be for four seasons and he will reportedly earn $150,000 in 2007. United plan to play him as a right-side attacking player. Fred helped the A-League's Melbourne Victory claim the Australian championship last month.

United surprisingly shipped away one of the league's stars in Freddy Adu, but with the lineup they are assembling, people in D.C. will be saying, "Freddy A-Who?"

My take: D.C. United clearly has the global scouting thing down and has come up big this off-season. Without using their DP, they have secured two international playmakers - Fred and Luciano Emilio. Everyone else will be playing catch-up in the Eastern Conference to these guys this season. Good signing for D.C., good signing for MLS.

D.C. United Chasing Fred

According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, D.C. United are quietly chasing after Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva, better known as Fred. A Brazilian, Fred currently plays for current champion Melbourne Victory of Australia's A-League. He's 27 and usually plays attacking midfielder or striker. Fred tallied four goals and nine assists in 20 appearances in the 2006-07 season for Melbourne. In the '07 A-League Grand Final, he recorded four assists in Melbourne's 6-0 victory over Adelaide United.

Could he be another steal like Luciano Emilio appears to be? The rest of the league is definitely going to have to step it up in terms of worldwide scouting, as D.C. United is far beyond any other MLS team in that respect.