MLS has signed Chilean international midfielder Marcelo Vega and assigned him to the MetroStars. “We are excited to sign another young player who is very close to making a name for himself on the world scene,” said MLS deputy commissioner Sunil Gulati. “Vega wears the #10 shirt for Chile, a team that should surprise some people in France this summer.” The 26-year-old Vega has made 21 appearances for Chile and played in more than half of the team’s qualifying matches for France ’98. He is expected to be on the Chilean roster for the World Cup. “Players around the world look at MLS as a very promising league, with a bright future,” Vega said. “The caliber of play has improved from the first year to the present time even faster than people anticipated.” Vega has played in the Chilean First Division since 1991, when he was with Union Espanola. From 1992 to 1995, he played with powerhouse club Colo Colo, where he teamed with D.C. United’s Marco Etcheverry and played in the Copa Libertadores. He has played for Santiago Wanderers since 1995. He is expected to join the MetroStars in late April and could make his MLS debut in a May 6 home match against Dallas. “My goal here is to bring a championship to the MetroStars,” he said. “That is what every player plays for, to become a champion.”