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Luciano Emilio Leaving MLS And D.C. United
The big Brazilian forward could not come to terms with the club and new coach Curt Onalfo.
Jan 9, 2010 10:11:38 PM
Brazilian Luciano Emilio, who had a torrid debut season with D.C. United, earning Most Valuable Player honors in 2007, has now moved on.
The forward signed with Rio Branco de Americana in Brazil's second division.
"We would like to thank Luciano for being a part of D.C. United and we wish he and his family the best of luck always," said United General Manager Dave Kasper of the Brazilian's departure on the team's official blog.
Emilio departs United having scored 41 goals - fourth most in club history - in 83 regular season games over three seasons. His 11 game-winners places him third all-time, behind only Jaime Moreno (26) and Ben Olsen (13), and his eight multi-goal games is tied for second all-time with Christian Gomez, trailing only Moreno (17).
Emilio also helped United to two trophies - the 2007 Supporters' Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.
After his first two solid years with the club, Emilio's salary was raised to a level that elevated him to designated player status. However, his goal-scoring output decreased, and D.C. United looked to have hims sign a new contract at a reduced salary.
The club has also gone through some key changes, with new coach Curt Onalfo and the retirement of veteran midfielder Ben Olsen.
Perhaps uncomfortable with the evolving situation, Emilio rejected the terms for salary reduction and chose to return to Brazil.
Goal.com
The forward signed with Rio Branco de Americana in Brazil's second division.
"We would like to thank Luciano for being a part of D.C. United and we wish he and his family the best of luck always," said United General Manager Dave Kasper of the Brazilian's departure on the team's official blog.
Emilio departs United having scored 41 goals - fourth most in club history - in 83 regular season games over three seasons. His 11 game-winners places him third all-time, behind only Jaime Moreno (26) and Ben Olsen (13), and his eight multi-goal games is tied for second all-time with Christian Gomez, trailing only Moreno (17).
Emilio also helped United to two trophies - the 2007 Supporters' Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup.
After his first two solid years with the club, Emilio's salary was raised to a level that elevated him to designated player status. However, his goal-scoring output decreased, and D.C. United looked to have hims sign a new contract at a reduced salary.
The club has also gone through some key changes, with new coach Curt Onalfo and the retirement of veteran midfielder Ben Olsen.
Perhaps uncomfortable with the evolving situation, Emilio rejected the terms for salary reduction and chose to return to Brazil.
Goal.com
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