BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC announced on Thursday that former Philadelphia Union midfielder Fred would join the club as a player and assistant coach for its inaugural USL season.

“Fred brings with him the playing experience that will help mentor the younger players as they encounter challenges and opportunities,” said Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke. “It is a unique role that will enable Fred to guide the team through example and make us stronger as we continue to develop throughout the season.”

The 37-year-old started his professional career in 1997 and spent many years playing in his native Brazil before joining the Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League in 2006 where he helped the side win their first A-League Grand Final. The attacking midfielder joined MLS in 2007 signing for D.C. United from the Australian side.

In 2010, he joined the Philadelphia Union from D.C. United in a trade for a first-round SuperDraft pick and allocation money. He spent a total three seasons with the Union through the course of 2010 until 2015. During his first year with the Union, Fred played in 25 games with 24 starts, totaling 1,913 minutes and contributing four goals and one assist.

The Brazilian returned to D.C. United and the Australian A-League from 2011 through 2013, and rejoined the Union ahead of the 2014 season. During his final two seasons with the Union, Fred appeared in 17 games of which he started three and scored one goal. 

During the seven years Fred played in MLS, he appeared in 131 games with 92 starts and accumulated 8,144 minutes. He scored 16 goals and gave 18 assists. Fred was part of the D.C. United side that won the Supporters’ Shield in 2007 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2008.