COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Thursday, April 26, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that the club has signed Luis Eduardo “Edu” Schmidt, a Brazilian forward who has experience in Spain’s La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, as an international player. Edu will be eligible for the Rapids pending receipt of his P-1 work visa and ITC, and results of a medical. Per league and team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Edu is a skilled and creative forward with a great deal of experience,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “His signing will bolster our attack and we’re happy to add him to the roster.”

MORE: Five questions with Edu

Edu, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, made his professional debut with São Paulo Futebol Clube of Brazil in 1997 before moving to Celta de Vigo of La Liga, the top division in Spain, in 2000. He helped Celta to its first-ever appearance in the UEFA Champions League, and scored 28 goals in 117 appearances with the club. Joining Real Betis of La Liga in 2004, he scored 41 goals in 136 appearances over five seasons, again helping the team to their first Champions League appearance. He moved back to Brazil in 2009, and has since played with Internacional and Vitória in his home country.

WATCH: Edu scores twice as Betis defeat Barcelona

The Brazilian made his only appearance with the Brazilian National Team against Thailand on February 23, 2000. He also scored twice as a member of the Under-23 team in the 2000 Summer Olympics.

The Rapids face Chivas USA this Saturday, April 28 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Edu

Full Name: Luis Eduardo Schmidt

Number: 37

Position: Forward

Born: January 10, 1979 in São Paulo, Brazil

Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil, Italy

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 185

Last Team: Vitória (Brazil)