D.C. United introduced four of five new Latin American players followingits first practice of the 2008 season, saving the last and biggest addition for his own moment in the spotlight.
Marcelo Gallardo will be presented today as D.C. United’s first Designated Player and the sixth in Major League Soccer. The 32-year-old Argentine playmaker and two-time World Cup veteran has played for Argentine first division club River Plate as well as Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain in the French’s Ligue 1. The details of his contract were not announced, but as a DP, he stands to earn well more than the non-salary cap maximum of $400,000 per year.
“Throughout his career, Gallardo has been a dynamic attacking midfielder known for remarkable technique, impressive speed and quickness, and an uncanny knack for providing service to his teammates,” said United president and CEO Kevin Payne in a written statement.
Introduced last year, the Designated Player rule allowed Los Angeles to sign English midfielder David Beckham for $6.5 million per year — thus leading to the term “Beckham rule” — and Chicago to lure Mexican playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco for $2.7 million.
After Monday’s practice, United also unveiled Argentine central defender Gonzalo Peralta, 27, and Peruvian goalkeeper Jose Carvallo, 21, along with forward Franco Niell and defender Gonzalo Martínez, whose acquisitions were announced last week.
“We come in with higher expectations,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “We intend on [the international players] making us deeper, better and more competitive.”
Three of United’s six draft picks were also present at practice — three are working to finish their college degrees — along with a few undrafted training camp invitees, including Pat Carroll (West Virginia/West Springfield High) and Grady Renfrow (Penn State/Gonzaga). But Christian Gomez and Greg Vanney were not there, and neither are likely to figure in the team’s plans.
The team departs for training camp in Bradenton, Fla., on Wednesday.
