Washington,D.C. (April 28, 2010) – D.C. United announced today the club has re-signedforward Luciano Emilio. The 31-year-old returns to United following a shortstint with Brazil’s Rio Branco de Americana. From 2007 through 2009, Emilio wasUnited’s most productive forward and, in 2007, he captured the MLS MVP Awardand Newcomer of the Year honors. Emilio will begin a three-month term withUnited that includes an option at the end of July to extend his stay. TheBrazilian will be available for selection upon receipt of his InternationalTransfer Certificate.
“We welcome Luciano back to D.C. United,” said D.C.United General Manager Dave Kasper. “Over the past several months, we’ve beenin constant communication with Luciano regarding his playing future and havereached an agreement that provides United a proven MLS goal-scorer at termsthat take into consideration both parties’ plans for the future.”
Emilio took MLS by storm in his first season,earning the 2007 Budweiser Golden Boot by tallying a League-high 20 goals. Thefirst player in MLS since 2002 to reach the 20-goal mark, Emilio led Unitedwith four game-winners and also tallied an assist – a game-winner – in 29 games(28 starts). For his efforts, the Brazilian was named as the League’s MostValuable Player and Newcomer of the Year, while also being tabbed for the MLSBest XI.
In 2008 Emilio, notched 11 goals and five assists in27 games (25 starts) as the team’s leading scorer once again. He earned League Player of the Monthhonors for June after notching seven goals and an assist as United went4-0-2. Emilio led the team withfour game-winning goals, which was also tied for the League high. In all competitions Emilio played in 41total games (38 starts) and scored eighteen goals to go along with fiveassists.
Last season, Emilo finished with 10 goals and twoassists in 27 League appearances (23 starts). He added three more goals inCONCACAF Champions League play, including a two-goal performance against CDMarathon on 9/24. In total the forward tallied 13 goals and three assists in 34games 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
