[MLS] Another day, another Wizards midfielder. The midfield makeover has added a new, yet familiar MLS face to the lineup. Ex-MetroStar Birahim Diop, the second Senegalese player to join MLS this offseason, has joined Kansas City, being reunited with its assistant coach, Octavio Zambrano, whom he played for at the MetroStars and in Moldova.

Since playing four MLS games in 2002, Diop has played in Colombia and Moldova, where he was reunited with Zambrano at FC Tigul-Tiras Tiraspol. He had joined the MetroStars as a 23-year-old after a 12-goal season at Dakar club ASC Jeanne D’Arc.

“Birahim is a guy who brings a physical presence to the field,” said Wizards manager Peter Vermes. “He also has a great attitude, and I think he'll make a positive impact for us in 2010.”

Diop plays holding mid, a slot vacated somewhat by the retirement of former Wizards player and current assistant coach Kerry Zavagnin. His addition further revamps a roster to which the club added Ryan Smith, David Rocastle and Igor Kostrov earlier this week. All four players had been on trial with the Wizards this preseason.

The other Senegalese player to join MLS this offseason is Niouky Desire, signed by the Revs.