D.C. United sign Saragosa, trade intl. slot to Portland as MLS preseason heats up

D.C. United’s preparations for the 2012 MLS season picked up speed on Monday as the club announced the signing of midfielder Marcelo Saragosa, then finalized a trade to acquire allocation money (funds which can be used to pay salaries and transfer fees) from the Portland Timbers in exchange for an international roster spot which will return to United following the 2013 season.

Shortly thereafter, D.C. coach Ben Olsen and his squad jetted to Arizona for the next stage of their preseason, where they will train in Scottsdale until Feb. 16, including scrimmages against as-yet-unnamed opposition.

“On paper, it’s a very exciting group and I can’t wait to get everybody healthy and fit,” Olsen told reporters on Monday. “So, we have a lot of work to do in the next two camps to make sure we are getting on the same page and ready for the season opener [on March 10].

“We are going to continue working on our identity, getting everybody on the same page on the field,” added the second-year boss, in reference to the stint in Arizona. “Things off the field are fine; the guys know what we expect from them. It seems like a group that gets along, now we have to fine-tune how we want to play and let the competition roll for spots.”

A 30-year old Brazilian who has played 116 career games in MLS, Saragosa’s career began in his native Brazil when he joined the youth side of Portuguesa at just 12 years old. A year later, he moved to Sao Paulo’s youth team. The 5’11” midfielder made his first team debut as an 18-year old, but only made a handful of first team appearances between 2000-2003.

In 2004, Saragosa went on loan to the LA Galaxy, where he played in 26 matches (24 starts) and notched an assist in his first MLS season. He also started three MLS Cup playoff games, before returning to Sao Paulo.

Saragosa spent the first half of 2005 on loan at Nautico (Brazil), before he was permanently acquired by LA in August. He played in four matches (two starts) during the regular season before playing in two MLS Cup playoffs matches as the Galaxy claimed the MLS Cup.

Saragosa started each of the ten matches he played in during the early part of 2006, before he was traded to FC Dallas. While with Dallas, he played in seven matches (two starts) and scored one goal. In 2007, Saragosa played in 13 games (ten starts) with Dallas, notching two assists. In his third season in Dallas, the midfielder started 23 of the 25 matches he played in, as he scored a goal and dished out two assists.



In 2009, Saragosa began the season with FC Dallas, playing in nine matches (eight starts), notching one assist, before he was traded to Chivas USA in July. Back in LA, he played in eight games (seven starts). In his only full season with Chivas USA, Saragosa played in 14 matches (nine starts), registering one assist during the 2010 campaign.
 
Saragosa left MLS following the 2010 season and spent two seasons in the Azerbaijan first division, first with FC Absheron and then with Ravan Baku. Known as a tenacious ballwinner, he’s expected to contend for playing time as a holding midfielder in D.C.

“We are pleased to have concluded a deal to bring Marcelo to D.C.,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper in a press release. “He is well-acquainted with our League and brings additional depth to a midfield that we feel is already one of the best in the League. We look forward to his contributions to our team.”

United will also visit Charleston, S.C. for the Carolina Challenge Cup, a preseason tournament which also includes the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew and lower-division side Charleston Battery.

“Our goals for building the roster moving into 2012 were the following,” said club general manager Dave Kasper in a Monday press conference. “To add veteran leadership, to be two deep at every position with quality so we have real competition for spots again, to strengthen our back line, to acquire quality strikers, add depth in midfield, and to complement and build on the work we started in 2011.”

D.C. United’s 17th MLS season begins on Saturday, March 10 when United hosts Sporting Kansas City. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and while the club’s home venue has not yet been officially confirmed, club president Kevin Payne said on Monday that United is close to finalizing a lease deal at RFK Stadium.

Name: Marcelo Saragosa
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 175
Jersey: TBD
Position: Midfielder
Birthdate: January 22, 1982
Age: 30
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Birthplace: Campo Grande, Brazil
Previous Club: Ravan Baku (Azerbaijan)
Acquired: Signed on February 6, 2012