Bethlehem Steel FC Acquire Fred as Player and Assistant Coach
March 24, 2016 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem Steel FC has acquired Fred as a player and assistant coach ahead of the 2016 inaugural season, the club announced Thursday.
"Fred brings with him the playing experience that will help mentor the younger players as they encounter challenges and opportunities," said Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke. "It is a unique role that will enable Fred to guide the team through example and make us stronger as we continue to develop throughout the season."
Fred, 37, started his professional career in 1997 and spent many years playing in his native Brazil before joining the Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League in 2006 where he helped the side win their first A-League Grand Final. The attacking midfielder joined MLS in 2007 signing for D.C. United from the Australian side.
In 2010, he joined the Philadelphia Union from D.C. United in a trade for a first-round SuperDraft pick and allocation money. He spent a total three seasons with the Union through the course of 2010 until 2015. During his first year with the Union, Fred played in 25 games with 24 starts, totaling 1,913 minutes and contributing four goals and one assist.
The Brazilian returned to D.C. United and the Australian A-League from 2011 through 2013, and rejoined the Union ahead of the 2014 season. During his final two seasons with the Union, Fred appeared in 17 games of which he started three and scored one goal.
During the seven years Fred played in MLS, he appeared in 131 games with 92 starts and accumulated 8,144 minutes. He scored 16 goals and gave 18 assists. Fred was part of the D.C. United side that won the Supporters' Shield in 2007 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2008.
Bethlehem Steel FC will start their inaugural season on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. at FC Montreal and will officially open their doors at Lehigh University's Goodman Stadium the following week on Sunday, April 3 against FC Cincinnati with a 3 p.m. scheduled kickoff.
PLAYER PROFILE
Fred
Position: Midfielder/Assistant Coach
Date of birth: August 18, 1979 (age 37)
Place of birth: Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155 lbs
Last club: Philadelphia Union
Transaction: Joined the Bethlehem Steel FC on March 24, 2016
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