DC United have unveiled ex-Kansas City Wizards coach Curt Onalfo as its new head coach.

The 40-year old Brazilian-born American was officially sworn in to lead the Washington-based MLS outfit at the RFK Stadium on Tuesday and spoke of his delight at being appointed to the club he served as a player in the late 1990s.

"I love D.C. United. I like the D.C. area, I have a house in Herndon [Va.] and kind of made my family here. My daughter was born here. My son wasn't, but pretty much grew up most of his life here. From a family perspective it's really a great fit and from a career standpoint, for me it's a dream come true," said Onalfo.

"We have enormous work ahead of us. But make no mistake about it, priority No. 1 is to get this team back in the playoffs and also to get this team qualified for the international tournaments that we're so well known for."

The club said the decision to hire Onalfo was made easier by the fact he can also speak Spanish which is important for United's Spanish-speaking stars.

"One of the skills that we really believe is perhaps the most important skill of a successful coach is that ability to communicate," said president Kevin Payne. "And while we didn't make it a requirement, it was absolutely a tremendous asset and a real advantage for Curt that he is bilingual."