Union sign Brazilian defender Fábio Alves

The Union announced Friday afternoon that they've signed defender Fábio Alves, a Brazilian who last played for Sydney FC in Australia's A-League.

Alves, who goes by the nickname Fábinho, is best suited to outside back. Though he isn't likely to supplant current starters Raymon Gaddis and Sheanon Williams, Alves can serve as a reinforcement at a position where the Union need that.

"We think he can provide good depth and quality to an area of our team where we were a little thin," Union manager John Hackworth said in a statement issued by the team.

The 28-year-old was released by Sydney after one season with the team. Sydney manager Frank Farina told reporters in Australia that he "couldn't guarantee Fábio the regular first-team football he requires" with the team.

Prior to his time in Sydney, Alves played with another A-League team, Melbourne Victory.

Because he is an international signing, Alves won't be eligible to officially join the Union until Major League Soccer's summer transfer window opens on July 9. The Union's July 12 game against Chivas USA at PPL Park would be the first game in which Alves is eligible to take the field for his new team.