Fred gives United the added spark

“The stuff he pulls off out there,” said midfielder Ben Olsen of his 27-year-old Brazilian teammate. “He avoids tackles and challenges better than I’ve seen anyone in this league. He can be a very good player in this league.”

It took him a few games to adjust after arriving in the U.S. with the title of player of the year in the Australian first division. But after going scoreless in his first five games, Fred’s playing as well as anyone in Major League Soccer, with five goals and five assists in his last 15 matches, including three goals in his last four, all United victories.

“Brazilian players are born with talent in their blood, an ability to dribble and enjoy the game,” said Fred. “Anyways, I only focus on what [United head coach] Tommy [Soehn] wants from me, and if I make a nice play, it comes out naturally.”

Fred’s natural position is attacking central midfielder, but Soehn, who moved him out to the left wing, just wants to make sure he’s on the field.

“I think everyone’s got him spotted as a No. 10,” said Soehn. “I think he’s a playmaker regardless of where he plays, and he continues to do that. His ability to adapt to flank play, I’m not seeing too many that are doing it better than him right now.”

The current contract for United’s key central playmaker, 32-year-old Christian Gomez, runs out at the end of the season, meaning Fred could slide into the position next year should Gomez not return, but he isn’t expecting to inherit the job.

“If the coach needs me as playmaker I would do it,” said Fred. “Christian is doing great in that position. He is one of the best players on the team, and I hope we can play together for more than a year.”

D.C. United (13-6-3, 42 pts) at Chivas USA (11-6-3, 36 pts)

When » Tonight, 10:30

Where » Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif.

TV » ESPN2

Radio » 1160 AM, SRN (1540 AM, 1390 AM, 1600 AM and 1350 AM)