Cristian Fernandez Salas Height: 5'10"

Weight: 170 lbs

Position: Defender

Hometown: Santander, Spain

Acquired: Signed on February 7, 2014

D.C. United today announced that the club has signed Spanish defender Cristian Fernandez Salas. The defender spent last season with Union Deportiva Almeria of the Spanish La Liga, and per club and League policy, exact terms of the deal were not disclosed. Fernandez will be officially added to the roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, P-1 Visa and full medical clearance.

"We are pleased to be adding a left back with solid La Liga experience who is in the prime of his career," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. "Cristian is very good at getting forward to join the attack and providing quality service. This move helps solidify our backline moving into the new season."

Fernandez, a product of Racing de Santander’s youth system, began his career with Racing B in 2003, where he appeared in 108 matches and scored 16 goals in four seasons. In 2007, the defender made his first team debut, featuring in nine total matches, and scored his first goal against Athletic Bilbao. During the 2008 campaign, Fernandez was loaned to UD Las Palmas where the defender netted four goals. In 2009, he appeared in 29 matches with Racing, scoring twice, and helped his club to the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. Over the next two seasons, he appeared in 38 league matches, scoring four goals, and in 2012 signed a contract with UD Almeria. In two seasons with Almeria, he appeared in 36 games and recorded six goals.

D.C. United plays the Chicago Fire on Saturday, February 7 in its second match of the preseason. Watch it live at dcunited.com/live