LA sign Brazilian striker; Silverbacks get "MLS trio"

The Los Angeles Galaxy has signed Brazilian forward Thiago De Souza (pictured). De Souza was most recently with the German Bundesliga's BV Borussia Dortmund. He will join the club as a youth international, pending visa approval.

"Thiago is a unique player who we think will add an exciting offensive dynamic to our club," said Galaxy Assistant General Manager Tom Payne. "He has the experience of playing in one of the top leagues in the world and we feel he will make a solid contribution to the Galaxy."

The 21-year-old joined Dortmund from Uniao Sao Joao of Brazil. Thiago, a 5-foot-6, 143-pound forward, has also appeared for Rio Branco and Corinthians of Brazil in his short career. Thiago trained with the Galaxy during the club's preseason trip to Costa Rica and is expected to add a dimension of speed, finishing ability and technical superiority on the ball.

"We saw Thiago play with us in Costa Rica and there is no question that he can make an impact in this league," said Galaxy head coach Steve Sampson. "He is a young, smart and quick player who will continue to develop and improve."

In other soccer news, the USL's Atlanta Silverbacks have added three former MLS players to their roster. These "new to them" players are Marlon Rojas (Real Salt Lake), Scott Buete (Chicago Fire) and Shaun Kalnasy (Chivas USA).

Rojas is a former Trinidad and Tobago national team player. By signing with the Silverbacks, he has regained "active status" which makes him eligible for the national team. He hopes to increase his playing time in order to win a spot on the World Cup team. He started six games for Salt Lake last season.

Buete played two seasons with Chicago and was their first draft pick of 2004 (9th overall). His take on the signing, "I'm excited to get the season started with Atlanta. I think the team is made up of a great group of talented players who want to win. I'm ready to get started."

Kalnasy spent last season with Chivas USA after attending two months of preseason training with LA. The 2003 PDL Western Conference Goalie of the Year, spent two years in the USL's PDL with the Spokane Shadow.