D.C. United have acquired MLS veteran playmaker Federico Higuaín as a free agent. The Argentine attacking midfielder will join the Black-and-Red as a player and Player Development Coach.
“Federico has consistently been one of the best attacking players in the league since 2012," Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, said. "He has been a consistent goalscorer and creator on the field and we are looking forward to incorporating his MLS experience to bolster our roster this season."
Higuaín joined Columbus Crew SC on July 27, 2012 from Club Atlético Colón in the Argentinian first tier. Since joining the league, Higuaín has scored 55 goals and recorded 63 assists; making him one of only 21 players in MLS history to score at least 50 goals and record 50 assists. He recorded his first MLS assist on his debut in the 2-2 draw against the Houston Dynamo on Aug.19, 2012. In his next match, Higuaín scored his first goal in the 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Aug. 22, 2012. In his debut season with Columbus, Higuaín finished with five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances on the way to earning the 2012 MLS Newcomer of the Year award. During his tenure in MLS (July 2012 - May 2019), Higuaín is second in primary assists (49) behind only Diego Valeri (58), third in goals from direct free kicks (six) and is tied for the lead in primary assists from set pieces (23).
In eight seasons with Columbus, Higuaín scored 55 goals and recorded 63 assists 193 regular season appearances. The veteran midfielder has also made 14 postseason appearances recording four goals and five assists.
Prior to joining MLS, Higuaín had stints in Argentina, Mexico and Turkey. He signed his first professional contract with River Plate in Argentina as an 18-year-old. He did not make a first team appearance for River Plate and was loaned to Nueva Chicago in Argentina on Jan. 5, 2005. In one season with Nueva Chicago, Higuaín scored 14 goals in 37 appearances. After returning from his loan, he was transferred to Beskitas JK in the Turkish top flight on Aug. 28, 2007. In 16 appearances for the Turkish side, Higuaín scored two goals and recorded two assists. He was then loaned to CF América in Mexico on Jan. 1, 2008, where he spent six months, scoring two goals and recording an assist in 22 appearances. At the end of his loan, Higuaín was transferred to Club Atlético Independiente in Argentina on July 1, 2008. That season he scored one goal in 19 appearances. Then, he moved from Independiente to Club Deportivo Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba (Godoy Cruz) in Argentina on July 1, 2009. He spent one year with the club, scoring 11 goals and recording three assists in 36 appearances before moving to Club Atlético Colón on July 1, 2010. In two seasons, he scored 10 goals and recorded eight assists in 59 appearances before transferring to MLS with Columbus Crew SC.
Player
: Federico Higuaín
Birthplace
: Buenos Aires, Argentina
DOB
: 10/25/1984
Age
: 35
Height
: 5’8”
Weight
: 165
Previous
Club
: Columbus Crew SC
Status
: Green Card
Transaction
: D.C. United acquire Federico Higuaín as a player and Player Development Coach
