Soccer
United Close to Agreement With Another Brazilian: Fred
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D.C. United might have a distinctive Brazilian flavor by the time the MLS season begins next month.
With one Brazilian forward already signed and another in training camp on tryout, United is close to finalizing a deal to acquire forward-midfielder Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva, according to two sources familiar with the negotiations.
Like many Brazilian players, he goes by one name: Fred.
He would join Luciano Emilio, who joined United in January and scored three goals in two Champions' Cup matches against Honduran club Olimpia. The club is also looking at Welton Silva, a well-traveled Brazilian who accompanied United to South Florida this week for training sessions and two exhibitions.
Fred, 27, played this past season with Australian champion Melbourne Victory after spending many years in the Brazilian league with America-MG and Guarani. He had four goals and nine assists in 20 matches for Melbourne and was considered among the league's top attacking players.
United's greatest offensive needs are an outside midfielder and another forward. Fred apparently has the versatility to play both positions. The club, which will host Chivas of Mexico on March 15 in the first leg of the Champions' Cup semifinals, is also looking for defensive help.
United officials declined to comment about pending player acquisitions.
In a scrimmage yesterday, rookie Guy-Roland Kpene scored two goals and Jeff Carroll, Brian Carroll and Jamil Walker had one apiece in United's 5-3 victory over Florida International University. . . . Forward Robbie Rogers, who left the University of Maryland last summer after his freshman season to sign with a Dutch club, has reached agreement with MLS and will be available in a weighted lottery tomorrow, a source close to the situation said. Rogers is regarded as one of the top players on the U.S. under-20 national team.
-- Steven Goff
