Charlie Davies is signed on loan by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United

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Charlie Davies, the former U.S. national team forward who was seriously injured in a fatal car accident in the fall of 2009, was signed on loan Wednesday by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United from the French club FC Sochaux.

Davies, 24, will be available to the four-time MLS champions ‘for the 2011 season,’ the club said.

‘Charlie spent 10 days with us in our first preseason camp and underwent a full battery of physical and medical testing,’ said Dave Kasper, D.C. United’s general manager. ‘He simply looked terrific.

‘Coming in, we weren’t sure where he would be, but he’s great physically, has impressed by his mental approach, and we’re excited to see him on the field with us this season.’

After sustaining multiple injuries in the one-car automobile accident on the outskirts of Washington on Oct. 13, 2009, while with the U.S. national team, Davies underwent several surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation. He began training again with Sochaux last April but has not played a competitive game in more than 16 months.

At the time of the accident, which claimed the life of a young woman, Davies was on course to represent the U.S. in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having impressed at the Confederations Cup in 2009.

‘He’s a player that can make a difference,’ said D.C. United Coach Ben Olsen.

‘I’m extremely excited about the opportunity,’ Davies said in a statement released by the club. ‘I remember watching MLS as a kid and seeing D.C. United as the top team in the league.’

D.C. United finished in last place in MLS in 2010.

-- Grahame L. Jones