MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Signs Midfielder Marcelo Saragosa

Published on February 6, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (February 6, 2012) - D.C. United announced today the club has signed midfielder Marcelo Saragosa. The 30-year old Brazilian has played 116 career games in MLS. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to have concluded a deal to bring Marcelo to DC," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. "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."

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.

2006 saw Saragosa start each of the ten matches he played in during the early part of the season, 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.

Sargosa left MLS following the 2010 season and spent two seasons in the Azerbaijan first division, first with FC Absheron and then with Ravan Baku.

D.C. United's 17th MLS season begins on Saturday, March 10 when D.C. United takes on Sporting Kansas City. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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