[MLS] Goalie Troy Perkins is headed back to D.C. United following a complicated deal with the expansion Philadelphia Union that allowed D.C. to exchange places in MLS's allocation order. D.C. United traded Brazilian midfielder Fred, its 2010 first-round SuperDraft pick (seventh overall) and allocation money to Philadelphia in order to exchange places with the Union in the allocation order. The heavy price was necessary for D.C. to plug what was a problem area for it last season.

Perkins, the 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, returns to D.C. United after playing two years for Valerenga of the Norwegian first division.

"Troy Perkins is one of the best goalkeepers in the country right now, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to D.C.," said United coach Curt Onalfo. "It takes more to be the goalkeeper of D.C. United and after four seasons in D.C., two years playing in Norway's top division and significant U.S. men's national team experience last year, Troy is primed for even bigger things."