September 11, 2012
ON TRIAL
Leite, Kaka's brother, trying out with Red Bulls

Marco Letie after Red Bulls practice on Tuesday. Photo by Kristian Dyer

By Kristian Dyer
BigAppleSoccer.com Contributing Editor

UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- The Red Bulls have confirmed to BigAppleSoccer.com that Brazilian center back Rodrigo Leite, the brother of Brazilian legend Kaka, is on trial with the club.

Leite, 27, underwent a physical today and has impressed the coaching staff. He also is known as Digão.

Currently out of contract, the 6-4 Leite has played for A.C. in Italy's Serie A.

Red Bulls coach Hans Backe said he was impressed with with Leite's strength size and ability in the air.

Kaka had been linked with the Red Bulls earlier this summer.

Leite played for Milan from 2005-2011 before performing on loan with Rimini (2005-2007), Standard Liege (2008-2009), Crotone (2010) and Penafiel (2010-2011).

Midfielder Nicki Patterson, who has played for the Charleston Battery in USL PRO, also is on trial with the club.

Backe described the Scottish native as a box-to-box central midfielder, but he admitted the club has room to sign only one other player.

Also 27, Patterson also has played for the Des Moines Menace in the Premier Development League and Harrisburg City Islanders and Real Maryland Monarchs in USL PRO.