Saturday, February 9, 2008

As part of the trade that sent Argentine midfielder Christian Gomez to the Colorado Rapids yesterday, D.C. United acquired the option to sign a second marquee international player, sources familiar with the negotiations said.

In announcing the deal for the 2006 MLS most valuable player, the teams said United received Colorado's 2009 first-round draft pick as well as future considerations. Though neither club would discuss those considerations, The Post has learned that United has gained control of the Rapids' designated player slot, a year-old initiative that allows teams to sign a high-profile star outside the league's salary guidelines.

United exercised its DP slot last week by signing former Argentina World Cup midfielder Marcelo Gallardo.

One source cautioned that United does not plan to acquire another big-name player anytime soon. D.C. could also use the slot to upgrade the contract of a current player, such as Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio, who despite leading the league in goals in 2007, will earn around $300,000 this year. Players signed last year under the designated player rule, such as Los Angeles's David Beckham and New York's Juan Pablo Angel, have multimillion-dollar contracts. . . .

In a preseason scrimmage in Bradenton, Fla., Cristian Bola¿os's second-half goal gave Danish club Odense a 1-0 victory over United.

-- Steven Goff