Washington, D.C. (January 13, 2010) – D.C. United announced today the club has acquired goalkeeper Troy Perkins. United traded midfielder Fred, its 2010 first round SuperDraft pick (seventh overall) and allocation money to Philadelphia in order to exchange places with the Union in the allocation order, which allowed United to acquire the 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. Perkins returns to D.C. United and MLS after playing two years for Valerenga of the Norwegian first division.
“Troy Perkins is one of the best goalkeepers in the country right now, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to D.C.,” said United Head Coach Curt Onalfo. “It takes more to be the goalkeeper of D.C. United and after four seasons in DC, two years playing in Norway’s top division and significant U.S. Men’s National Team experience last year, Troy is primed for even bigger things.”
“Since my wife and I have been discussing this, we’ve had a lot of excitement about coming back to DC,” said Perkins. “To be able to raise a family in the states and to be back in the black and red – it’s more than just a feeling. It’s something deep in the heart and the soul. D.C. United is where things began and where I belong.”
» See Troy and United in the home opener. Order the First Kick 4-Pack!
“We’re excited to welcome Troy back to D.C. United,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “It’s been a priority of ours this off-season to secure his return. Troy will bring us leadership both on the field and in the locker room.”
Before transferring to Valerenga of the Norweigan first division at the end of the 2007 season, Perkins spent his entire MLS career with D.C. United. He signed with the club as an undrafted discovery player in March of 2004 and spent four full seasons with the club. All told, he saw time in 77 games (all starts) as a member of the Black-and-Red, serving as the team’s number one goalkeeper during each of the 2006 and 2007 seasons. His all-time record in League play is 36-19-22 with a career goals-against average of 1.22. His 36 wins, 274 saves, 19 shutouts and 1.22 goals-against average all place him second in United club history.
In his last season with United in 2007, Perkins collected the most wins (16) in MLS, while his goals against average (1.10), saves (117), minutes played (2,610), save percentage (75.5) and shutouts (eight) were all among the top five in the League. He was named the August Player of the Month, after compiling a 5-0 record and 0.20 GAA. In 2006, the netminder was among League leaders in goals-against average (1.13) and shutouts (eight) and was named as an MLS All-Star, to the MLS Best XI and as the 2006 MLS Panasonic Goalkeeper of the Year. All told, he helped United to three trophies – the 2004 MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields, in 2006 and 2007.
At the end of the 2007 season, United transferred Perkins to Valerenga for a fee of $650,000. Perkins immediately stepped into the starting goalkeeper role for the Norwegian side. In his first year, he helped the club to its first Norwegian Football Cup title in six years with a 4-1 victory against Stabaek in the final. The following year Perkins started 27 games in league play. The Ohio native was also in goal for two UEFA Europa League games and four Norwegian Football Cup matches. In all competitions in 2009, Perkins started 33 games and earned seven shutouts.
Perkins made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut in 2009, earning a 3-2 win over Sweden at the Home Depot Center on January 24. He then made five appearances during the USA's 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, keeping three clean sheets. He finished 2009 with six appearances and a 1.26 GAA, the best of any U.S. goalkeeper during the year.
“The unfortunate reality of our business is that in order to get something, you very often have to give something up,” said Kasper. “While we are excited to bring Troy back to DC, we will miss Fred’s presence around RFK Stadium. We wish Fred nothing but the best in Philadelphia and thank him for three great seasons in DC.”
Fred departs United after three full seasons in the District. In 72 games (60 starts), the midfielder collected 11 goals and 16 assists. His best season with the Black-and-Red came during his first year in the League when he notched seven goals and seven assists during the 2007 season. Last year, Fred collected two goals and four assists in 23 games (17 starts). The Brazilian helped D.C. capture two trophies during his time with United – the 2007 Supporters’ Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.
Related:Q&A with Troy Perkins [1/14/10]
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