Friday’s late-night close of Major League Soccer’s summer transfer window brought a minor transaction for D.C. United, which completed the loan acquisition of 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto from Fluminese.
Augusto has played recently for America-RN of the Brazilian Serie B, and he has Brazil under-21 national team experience.
While it’s clear that he’s a project player for D.C. United and not a prized signing that is expected to make an immediate impact, Augusto could change the depth chart slightly in the middle of the field.
United’s insertion of Lewis Neal into the starting central playmaking role against Columbus with Branko Boskovic out injured wasn’t a success. With Dwayne De Rosario proving effective at forward, D.C. needs better cover for Boskovic. Perhaps Augusto could provide that service.
The team can still add out-of-contract players, trade for players and bring players up from lower division teams until the MLS roster freeze deadline at 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 15.
D.C. United also announced that, with the help of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), forward Maicon Santos now has his green card and won’t take an international roster spot.
