FRISCO – FC Dallas has acquired Houston Dynamo midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson in exchange for its second round 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick and signed Brazilian flank player Michel , the club announced today. Per league and team policy, terms of the deals will not be disclosed.

“I think Je-Vaughn adds to what we need as far as balancing our team,” said head coach Schellas Hyndman. “We need a central midfielder who can play on both sides of the ball, can attack and also can defend well. He comes in with good experience. He’s 29 years old. He’s playing the league for a few years now, and playing for Houston, when you look at the success Houston has had the last two years being in MLS finals, he’s put in a lot of minutes for them. But the thing we’re really excited about is that he will be available for us as we start our season.”

A mainstay on the Jamaican national team, Watson appeared in 41 MLS games for the Houston Dynamo during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, scoring one goal and recording two assists. Watson made four CONCACAF Champions League appearances for the Dynamo in 2012, scoring a goal in the club’s 3-0 win over C.D. FAS on Aug. 22.

Prior to joining the Dynamo, Watson was a standout midfielder and team captain for Sporting Central in Jamaica. He has 21 caps for the Jamaican national team, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier win over the United States on Sept. 7, 2012.

The 31-year-old winger, Michel, began his professional career in 1998 with Brazilian first division side Atletico Mineiro. From 1998 to 2004, Michel made 83 appearances and scored nine goals for the now 104-year old Brazilian club. Michel transferred to Belgian side Standard Liège for the 2004 through 2006 seasons where he made 30 appearances and netted two goals.

“We’re very glad to have Michel joining FC Dallas,” said head coach Schellas Hyndman. “We’ve liked him since our first day of preseason when he came in on trial. He’s a very good player with a very good resume. He plays on both sides of the ball and is a good distributor of the ball. I saw him play for Atlético Paranaense and for Aris out of Greece, so I’ve been familiar with him for a long time. He’s really happy to be here and we’re happy to have him. I think he’s going to add a lot to our defense.”

Michel returned to South America in the summer of 2006, signing a three-year contract with Brazilian side Clube Atlético Paranaense. He played 58 games and scored six goals before signing with Náutico (Brazil) for the 2009 season. Michel spent six months with Náutico, appearing in 28 matches and scoring one goal. He also appeared in 11 matches for Vila Nova (Brazil) during the 2010 season. Michel’s most-recent stint was with Aris FC of the Greek first division. Between 2010 and 2012, he appeared 52 times and assisted on four goals.

FC Dallas opens the 2013 season at home on March 2 versus the Colorado Rapids. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. For more information on single-game, group or season tickets, contact the FC Dallas Front Office at (888) 323-4625 or go to www.fcdallas.com/getinandwin.



Full Name: Je-Vaughn Watson

Date of Birth: Oct. 22, 1983

Birthplace: St. Catherine, Jamaica

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 175

Position: Midfielder

Country: Jamaica

Full Name: Michel Garbini Pereira

Date of Birth: June 9, 1981

Birthplace: Vitoria, Brazil

Height: 6-1

Weight: 165

Position: Midfielder/Defender

Country: Βrazil (Italian passport)