MLS has signed 29-year-old Brazilian midfielder Zico and assigned him to the San Jose Clash, the team announced July 17. "Zico is a very creative offensive player," said Clash head coach Brian
Quinn. "He will create more chances for our forwards and score some goals himself." Zico, who shares his name with the legendary star of Brazil's 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cup teams, played for the
Brazilian U-20 national team and has had professional stints with Flamengo, Guarani, and Bragantino. He moved to Mexico in 1990, where he played for Puebla (which won the Mexican championship in 1992)
and Celaya. He spent this past season with Correcaminos of Mexican Division 1A. "Everywhere he has played, Zico has been a winner," said San Jose GM Peter Bridgwater. "We think he can help us win
here, too." Zico spent the past week training with San Jose while negotiating his contract with MLS before returning to Mexico to take care of immigration arrangements. He may make his MLS debut
July 20 at Tampa Bay.
