ST. LOUIS, MO (May 3, 2010) – Another new faced arrived at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park on Monday when Gauchinho stepped through the doors of the AC St. Louis locker room.

Gauchinho, full name is Jéferson Lima de Menezes, is a 27 year-old midfielder from Brazil who last played professionally in Denmark. Gauchinho spent the last four seasons with Naestved BK in the Danish league where he made a total of 87 appearances while he scored 28 goals in all competitions.

Gauchinho was born in Santana do Livromento, Brazil on February 11, 1983. He comes from a military family that moved around the country before settling in Porto Alegre. As a young kid he was a fan of the famous Gremio team, but never got the opportunity to play for them. Instead he was spotted by one of Flamengo’s coaches while playing in a youth tournament in Bolivia.

Flamengo offered the teenage Gauchinho the opportunity to join their academy program, but it meant he would have to move to Rio De Janiero.

“My mom went crazy,” said Gauchinho. “I lived alone in Rio for a long time while I was with Flamengo. I had dreamed of playing for Gremio in Porto Alegre, but they never offered me a tryout. So, I went to Rio and joined Flamengo.”

Gauchinho spent his formative years developing his game at Flamengo. He would eventually turn professional with Flamengo at the age of 19. In 2004 Gauchinho appeared in over 50 games in all competitions, and would record his first goal in that season.

Gauchinho is no stranger to soccer at the biggest levels. Being with Flamengo he had the opportunity to play at the famous Maracana Stadium one many occasions. Two games stand out the most to him.

“I got play in the final of the Guanabara Championship against Fluminense. We won that match 4-3 in front of a huge crowd,” remembered Gauchinho. “I also played against Vasco De Gama in a regular season game that we won 2-1.”

Gauchinho now sets his sights on helping AC St. Louis, which means he will have to adapt to the American style of play. A style of play that he just might be familiar with from his time in Denmark.

“In Denmark there is no space. It is a hard game to play there,” concluded Gauchinho. “You must play very fast, and you must make your decisions very fast. It was a very good experience for me to play there.”

What kind of player will fans of AC St. Louis see when Gauchinho makes his debut?

“I like to be a very creative player who thinks fast. I like to play quick combinations, pass and move. I just need some time to fit in and learn everything here.”