Flown The Nest: United First Team Alumni News and Notes

Another weekly roundup of alumni news is here, as seasons in Europe come to a close while others are picking up steam, especially in Japan's J League.

Dejan Jakovic and Shimizu S-Pulse ride four-game winning streak

After some initial struggles, Shimizu S-Pulse of the J League in Japan have hit some scintillating form, recording four wins in a row as they surge up the league table. At the heart of their defense is former D.C. United defender Dejan Jakovic, who now seems to have firmly established himself at the heart of Shimizu's defense. Jakovic's new side have also kept four clean sheets in their four recent victories, including in their 4-0 win away at Tokushima Vortis on Saturday, April 19. Having initially started as a substitute for S-Pulse, Jakovic is clearly becoming a regular in Japan.

Nick Rimando takes second MLS Player of the Week award this season

It was a close-run thing, but former United goalkeeper Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake just beat out Sporting Kansas City striker Dom Dwyer for his second Player of the Week award of 2014. Rimando helped RSL to a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers on Saturday and made three excellent saves while earning the clean sheet. The 34-year-old was a stalwart for the Black-and-Red from 2002 until 2006.

Andy Najar and Anderlecht miss out on top spot in Zulte Waregem drawt

At the halfway stage of the Belgian Pro League championship playoff, RSC Anderlecht and former United defender Andy Najar are back in fourth place in the six-team tournament, having previously been third for a couple of weeks. On Saturday, Najar played the full 90 minutes but could not help his side overcome third-place Zulte Waregem, as they were held to a 0-0 draw. After five games in the playoff Anderlecht have 36 points, including half the points they accumulated during the regular season. They are four points behind top club Standard Liege, and if things stay as they are then Anderlecht will have qualified for the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

Troy Perkins concedes four against Sporting Kansas City

Bad news for former D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins over the weekend, who conceded four goals against Sporting Kansas City while playing in goal for the Montreal Impact. The Impact, who also included former United player Justin Mapp, are without a win this season.

There is still no news on free agents Dennis Iapichino, Daniel Woolard and Freddy Adu. All three remain without clubs, although Adu recently acquired a very nice watch according to his Twitter account.