Davies meets the media earlier this month at United's training camp in Florida. (Photo: Associated Press)

Two brief items to pass along to you this morning. First, U.S. international striker Charlie Davies has been officially signed to a loan deal by D.C. United from French club Sochaux for the 2011 season, with an option to purchase his contract following. Davies joined United earlier this month at the club's Florida training camp for a trial and scored three goals over three preseason matches against the Canadian U-20 team, Florida International University, and the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 team.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to play for D.C. United and put on that shirt," Davies said in a statement released by the club. "This is a dream to be able to play for such a prominent organization."

"Charlie spent 10 days with us in our first preseason camp and underwent a full battery of physical and medical testing," said United General Manager Dave Kasper in the club's announcement of the deal. "He simply looks terrific. Coming in, we weren't sure where he would be, but he's great physically, has impressed with his mental approach and we're excited to see him on the field with us this season."

United will officially announce the Davies signing this afternoon at a 2 p.m. press conference at RFK Stadium, so there will be more to come on this story.

-Also this morning, the Washington Nationals have designated pitcher Luis Atilano for assignment. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher must be released, traded, or outrighted to the minor leagues within 10 days. Atilano started 16 games for the Nats in 2010, going 6-7 with a 5.15 ERA and a 1.494 WHIP over 85.2 innings pitched.