In a stunning move D.C. United has re-signed Brazilian striker forward Luciano Emilio. The 31-year-old returns to United following a short stint with Brazil’s Rio Branco de Americana. Emilio was the key goal scorer for the club from 2007 through 2009. Teh winless United has scored juts two goals in four games.
In 2007 he won the MLS MVP Award and Newcomer of the Year honors after notching 20 goals. Emilio will begin a three-month term with United that includes an option at the end of July to extend his stay.
“We welcome Luciano back to D.C. United,” said D.C. United GM Dave Kasper. “Over the past several months, we’ve been in constant communication with Luciano regarding his playing future and have reached an agreement that provides United a proven MLS goal-scorer at terms that take into consideration both parties’ plans for the future.”
Emilio was first player in MLS since 2002 to reach the 20-goal mark in 2007. He earned four game-winning goals and tallied an assist - a game-winner - in 29 games (28 starts) and was named in the the MLS Best XI.
In 2008 Emilio, notched 11 goals and five assists in 27 games (25 starts) as the team’s leading scorer once again. In all competitions Emilio played in 41 total games (38 starts) and scored eighteen goals to go along with five assists.
In 2009 Emilo finished with 10 goals and two assists in 27 League appearances (23 starts). In all competitions he tallied 13 goals and three assists in 34 games played (29 starts) for the Black-and-Red in 2009.
Name: Luciano Emilio
Position: Forward
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Jersey: 11
Date of Birth: December 12, 1978
Age: 31
Place of Birth: Jales, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
Last Club: Rio Branco de Americana (Brazil)
Roster status: International
Acquired: Re-signed on April 28, 2010
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