The Miami Fusion acquired U.S. national team veteran midfielder Preki from the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for a third round pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft and future considerations (an allocation when Preki retires). “With Preki we will be more dynamic, explosive and stronger in the final third,” said Miami vice-president and general manager Doug Hamilton. “Preki’s maturity, experience and, most of all, creative ability will go a long way towards building a team capable of igniting the passion of the South Florida soccer fans. He is expected to be a leader on this team and a model to our younger players.” Preki, a native of Yugoslavia whose full name is Preki Radosavljevic, is one of Major League Soccer’s most prolific scorers — ranking third all-time in points (50 goals and 60 assists). Last season he helped guide the Wizards to an MLS championship while recording a team-high 15 assists. In five MLS seasons, Preki has amassed an impressive collection of league accolades, including: ò 1997 league MVP ò Two-time member of MLS Best 11 (1996 & 1997) ò Five time MLS All-Star (1996-2000) ò 1999 MLS All-Star game MVP ò Wizards leading scorer (1996-99) ò Wizards team MVP (1996 & 1997) The 37-year old attacker has also enjoyed a productive U.S. national team career, appearing in 26 international matches while recording four goals and three assists. His most memorable moment came on Feb. 10, 1998, in the semifinals of the Gold Cup when his bending left-footed shot from 20 yards lifted the Americans over powerhouse Brazil, 1-0. In World Cup France ’98, he made two appearances and got the assist June 21 against Iran on the only U.S. goal of the tournament. Preki received his U.S. citizenship on Oct. 25, 1996 and made first national team appearance nine days later vs. Guatemala. “I trust the deal will work best for both partiesö said Kansas City head coach Bob Gansler. ôWe have young players who are ready to play and others who are ready for an expanded role. Preki still indicates that he needs to be a 90-minute player. Hopefully he’ll get this in Miami.”