The Colorado Rapids already-strong front line just got deeper and more talented.
Colorado bolstered its forward corps Thursday, signing 33-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Eduardo "Edu" Schmidt to complement a group that includes Omar Cummings, Quincy Amarikwa, Andre Akpan and Conor Casey, who is close to returning from a long-term Achilles injury.
Edu, who received a cap with the Brazil national team in 2000 and scored two goals for his nation's squad at that summer's Olympics in Sydney, has played for Brazilian sides Sao Paulo Futebol Clube, Internacional and Vitoria, as well as La Liga clubs Celta de Vigo and Real Betis.
Terms of the deal for the striker, who also boasts experience in the UEFA Champions League, were not disclosed.
Here are more stories from around the league:
CREW SIGN COSTA RICAN ARRIETA
The Columbus Crew's offense has been subpar to start the 2012 season, but a reinforcement is on his way. The Crew announced Thursday they have signed 28-year-old forward Jairo Arrieta, who will be available to Columbus once the summer transfer window opens on June 27. Arrieta joins the Crew from Costa Rican first division club Deportivo Saprissa, where he has scored 45 times in the last five seasons with Saprissa. Arrieta has been capped by Costa Rica's national team three times, all of which have come since December 2011.
FIRE LAND BRAZILIAN MIDFIELDER DE LIMA
The Chicago Fire added another piece to their midfield on Thursday, acquiring Brazilian midfielder Alex Monteiro De Lima on a free transfer from Swiss club FC Wohlen. De Lima appeared for the Fire earlier this year as a trialist, but he has now agreed to terms with the club. The 23-year-old will be available for selection once the summer transfer window opens on June 27.
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How do you see Edu faring in MLS? Think Arrieta will help Columbus with its scoring woes? Expecting De Lima to make an impact?
Share your thoughts below.
How many midfielders do the Fire need? I’ll take their group over any in FMF right now. Midfield wins in MLS. Klopas knows what he is doing.
It appears Colorado continues with the influx of technical players. I think guys like Casey, Mastroeni, and Mullen are on their way out.
Arrieta is the most impressive signing here. A goalscorer in his prime will help the Crew.
Just stay away from that salsa, BC, as it would appear to be tainted. (Or perhaps laced with something?)
me likes
Sometimes we don’t get what the masses really want. For instance, the UEFA final of Real vs. Barca, which is happening only in our imaginations.
Can I have some of those chips?
this is hardcore bro. i mean like, rapids are gonna win the title this year, and sink tv ratings to an all time low. the final will probably be rapids v. chivas, just what garber wants
Good signings at face value they have to play still. But I like these signings over a over the hill mid level euro guy. If MLS can compete regionally for players from Costa Rica and Honduras plus steal some talent from Brazil and other South American countries MLS will be that much closer to competing with FMF.
Arrieta by the Crew…good pick up. He looked solid in the recent CR games.
cuz it’s like the Brasilian “Smith”
It’s national ‘Sign a Brasilian’ day around MLS!
Edu. Why is that name familiar?