Luciano Emilio

Luciano Emilio may have spent only three years in MLS, but they were brilliant years for the Brazilian forward.

Emilio signed on with D.C. United on January 16, 2007 and it would not take him long to get acclimated with his new club. He found the back of the net 20 times in his inaugural season in MLS, leading D.C. United to the Supporters’ Shield along the way. His efforts earned him the league’s Most Valuable Player award, the Golden Boot, MLS Newcomer of the Year, and a spot on MLS’s Best XI.

Emilio would find continued success in the next two seasons as well. In 83 appearances for United from 2007-2009, he tallied 41 times, and even recorded his first MLS hat trick on June 14, 2008 against the New York Red Bulls.

After rejecting a new contract from United that would have seen him make s significantly lower salary, Emilio opted to sign with his former club Rio Branco, a club in the second division in his native Brazil.

In April 2010, Emilio signed a brief three-month contract with D.C. in which he made four goalless appearances, but was released shortly after.

OTHER:

Emilio currently plays for Atlante of Mexico’s second division. In addition to his time in the United States, he has played for numerous sides in Honduras, Germany, and Uruguay.

HONORS/STATISTICS:

MLS MVP: 2007

MLS Golden Boot: 2007

MLS Newcomer of the Year: 2007

MLS Best XI: 2007

MLS Supporter’s Shield: 2007

MLS appearances: 87

MLS goals: 41