UnitedMania.com

DC United announced today that it has re-acquired the rights to former black-and-Red goalkeeper Troy Perkins.

In exchange for Perkins DC United will send Brazilian midfielder Fred to the Philadelphia Union, give up their 1st round pick (7th overall) in tomorrow’s MLS Superdraft, and send allocation money to Philadelphia. The deal allowed United to exchange places with Philadelphia in the allocation order in order to acquire the 28 year-old 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the year..

Perkins has spent the last two years of his career in the Norwegian first division where he helped Valerenga earn the Football Cup title in his very first season.

Before heading to Norway Perkins had four successful seasons with DC United, 2 of which he spent as the undeniable starter. In 2006 Perkins was named MLS’s goalkeeper of the year.

The move adds another keeper to United roster. UNited now has four including Perkins, Bill Hamid, Milos Kocic, Josh Wicks.

Josh Wicks, who suffered a season ending injury late in 09 and is still recovering from shoulder surgery, will likely be sidelined until mid-March and will miss the season opener, leaving the starting spot open to the more experienced Troy Perkins. Wicks, who showed inconsistencies and erratic behavior during the 2009 season could be headed for a fierce competition for the back-up spot with Milos Kocic, provided Perkins proves to be the undisputed starter.