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With the news that Homegrown Player Andy Najar has been transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht, D.C. United players tweeted their well-wishes.
United captain Dwayne De Rosario:
Wishing my boy @andynajar all the best in his move to Belgian side @r.S.C.Anderlecht. I know he will do well...
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) January 30, 2013
2012 MLS Best XI selection Chris Pontius:
As much as is sucks to lose Andy, I'm genuinely happy for the kid. Great player, unreal potential, awesome person. Good luck Andy
— Chris Pontius (@ChrisPontius13) January 30, 2013
Fellow United Homegrown products Bill Hamid...:
Big ups to Najar.. Couldn't be more happier for him. Well deserved. Go show the world what u can do playa!!! Congrats kid
— Bill Hamid (@BillHamid28) January 30, 2013
...and Ethan White:
Good luck to Andy Najar at Anderlecht. Bittersweet feeling but I couldn't be more proud. Big things to come for him. #dcu #academyboys
— Ethan White (@EthanWhite15) January 30, 2013
Midfielder Perry Kitchen:
Good luck to Andy! What a great opportunity. He is going to kill it!
— Perry Kitchen (@PerryKitchen23) January 30, 2013
Defender Brandon McDonald:
Our team is really goin 2 miss @andy_najar !!! Truly happy for him & his family w this opportunity 2 fulfill his dreams! Hes goin 2 kill it!
— Brandon McDonald (@BMcDonald4) January 30, 2013
Defender Dejan Jakovic:
Big move for @andy_najar wish you all the best in Belgium with Anderlecht
— Dejan Jakovic (@DejanJakovic) January 30, 2013
And fellow former MLSer and Anderlecht teammate Sacha Kljestan:
Happy that we signed Andy Najar from DC United. Nice to have another former MLS player here at RSCA.
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) January 30, 2013
Five former Black-and-Red players - Raúl Díaz Arce, Marco Etcheverry, Roy Lassiter, Ben Olsen and Tony Sanneh – were nominated yesterday for the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2013 elections. Olsen, United’s current head coach, and Sanneh are two of five players in the group of 22 nominated in their first year of eligibility.
Voting will continue through February 22, and players who appear on at least 66.7% of ballots will earn election into the Hall of Fame.
Raúl Díaz Arce
Díaz Arce featured for the Black-and-Red for four seasons (1996, 1997, 2000, 2001). The Salvadoran international finished as the Golden Boot runner-up in 1996 with 23 goals en route to helping the club capture the inaugural MLS Cup. United also claimed the 1996 U.S. Open Cup and 1997 Supporters’ Shield with Díaz Arce.
Marco Etcheverry
A three-time MLS Cup winner and one-time MLS Cup MVP, Etcheverry appeared in 191 games (180 starts) for the Black-and-Red for 1996-2003, tallying 34 goals and 101 assists. Etcheverry still holds the club record for his marks in games played and assists.
Roy Lassiter
Lassiter is regarded as one the all-time greats in MLS, with a single-season goal-scoring record set in the 1996 inaugural season to support this claim. Lassiter joined the Black-and-Red for the 1998 and 1999 seasons (and returned in 2002), helping the team to its third MLS Cup in four seasons. The striker suited up for United 67 times (55 starts), tallying 36 goals and 17 assists in the process.
Ben Olsen
Olsen, United’s current head coach, joined the club as a player in 1998 and spent his entire 11-year professional career with the Black-and-Red. The midfielder appeared in 221 games (200 starts), adding 29 goals and 49 assists. The Pennsylvania native is second on the club’s all-time lists for games played (221) and minutes (17,098). Olsen also led the team to two MLS Cup titles (1999, 2004) during his on-field tenure at RFK Stadium.
Tony Sanneh
Sanneh guided D.C. United to two MLS Cups in three seasons, helping the club win titles in 1996 and again in 1997, but falling just short in the final to the Chicago Fire in 1998. The midfielder/defender became the first MLS player to score in back-to-back Cup finals. In total, Sanneh played 71 games (69 starts), collecting 14 goals and 25 assists for the Black-and-Red.
MLS announced the 2013 MLS Combine Invite list today. The initial list is comprised of 54 of the top NCAA Division I players from the past season.
Former D.C. United Academy midfielder Uwem Etuk was selected to the list, after a successful collegiate career with West Virginia. Etuk saw time in 75 matches for the Mountaineers, notching eight goals and 18 assists.
In his time with the Academy, Etuk played alongside current United defender Ethan White. Today, White gave a shout out to his former teammate on Twitter:
Good luck to my boy @uetuk10 at the MLS Combine. Former DCU academy teammate. Would love to see our whole U18 team make it.
— Ethan White (@EthanWhite15) December 11, 2012
Having trouble with gift ideas for the special soccer fan in your life? No matter who you're shopping for, we've got you covered.
Gifts for Him:
2012/2013 Authentic Long Sleeve Jersey - Long sleeves make this jersey the perfect gear for spring soccer, and the D.C. United fan in your life. The slim fit jersey comes in both traditional home black and a white away option. Please note that jerseys customized with a player's name and number can not be exchanged or returned for any reason.
Long Sleeve Training Tee - Train like the pros all offseason with a new long sleeve training top from adidas.
Gifts for Her:
2012/2013 Authentic Long Sleeve Jersey - The slim fit design makes this jersey ideal for female fans. With long sleeves, it makes for a great way to support the Black-and-Red in any weather. Authentic jerseys come in both traditional home black and a white away option. Please note that jerseys customized with a player's name and number can not be exchanged or returned for any reason.
Scrunch Neck Hoodie - Stay warm in this officially licensed women's pullover from adidas.
Gifts for Kids:
Knit Hat & Gloves - Toddler Set- Whether you are watching a soccer game, or playing in the snow, keep the little ones warm with this matching D.C. United hat and glove set. Jackets and other outdoor gear are also available for young D.C. United fans.
Youth T-shirts- The Team Store carries sizes for kids of all ages, from infant up. Now at the lowest prices of the season, choose from one of eight t-shirt designs for the kids.
My First Cap & Tee - The tradition continues. Have you recently welcomed a new member of the family? Get them ready for the 2013 season with this onesie and cap set.
Gifts for Everyone:
D.C. United Holiday Pack - The Holiday Pack comes complete with the top four matches of the year (2013 home opener, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, 2013 regular season home finale/Fan Appreciation Night) and one D.C. United ornament for each seat purchased. Supplies are limited and this pack is only available until Monday, December 17.
The only thing between you and a Volkswagen is the dotted line - The Volkswagen Sign Then Drive event is back and it’s never been easier to get a new Volkswagen. Because for a limited time, you can get most new models, including the Jetta and Passat, for practically just your signature. But you’ve got to hurry because these great deals will be gone before the ink is dry. That’s the Power of German Engineering.More information.
Holiday theme gifts - From wrapping paper to ornaments to hats, the D.C. United Team Store has you covered for all of your holiday themed gifts.
In order to guarantee delivery by December 24, products ordered from the D.C. United Team Store must be ordered by: December 19 (ground shipping), December 20 (two-day air), December 21 (overnight)
Congratulations to the D.C. United U-16 Development Academy who will go into their winter break as the number one team in the nation. The Academy is the only division leader who boasts an undefeated record over the first 13 matches. With a 2.69 points per game average, they also lead their age-group in goals. 15 year old Gerson Umana, sits atop the individual standings with 11 goals on the season.
The US Development Academy season starts in September and goes through the following June. The winter break falls between December and March.
Give the gift of soccer this holiday season!
Holiday shopping can be a hassle. Avoid crowds and stress by shopping with D.C. United. We have great gifts for your family, someone special, or if you want to treat yourself.
Gift certificates: If you would like to give someone tickets to a D.C. United match, but are not sure of his/her schedule, consider buying a ticket plan gift certificate. Our ticket plans range from 18 matches to 4 matches and are perfect for all types of soccer fans. Contact our Customer Service Team to order a gift certificate. Call 202-587-5467 to send a message to dcucustomerservice@dcunited.com
Gift pack: The holiday pack includes four of the biggest matches of the 2013 season, and a D.C. United ornament. More information
Contact our Customer Service Team and we can help you create a gift pack you wrap up as a present. (Buy some D.C. United gift wrap in the Team Store to make it extra special.) Call 202-587-5467 to send a message to dcucustomerservice@dcunited.com
RELATED: D.C. United holiday gear, ornaments, and more at dcuteamstore.com
Today, the Canadian Soccer Association announced the list of nominees for the BMO Canadian Players of the Year Award. Among the list was D.C. United midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. The award will be voted on by Canadian media and coaches.
De Rosario appeared in five matches for the Canadian National Team in 2012, notching one goal, a game-winner over Panama in World Cup Qualifying. With 71 total appearances and 20 goals, De Rosario is Canada's all-time leading goal scorer.
2012 BMO Canadian Player of the Year nominees:
- Patrice Bernier | CAN / Impact Montréal / Brossard, QC
- Julian de Guzman | USA / FC Dallas / Scarborough, ON
- Dwayne De Rosario | USA / DC United | Scarborough, ON
- André Hainault | USA / Houston Dynamo | Hudson, QC
- Lars Hirschfeld | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball | Edmonton, AB
- Atiba Hutchinson | NED / PSV Eindhoven | Brampton, ON
- Kevin McKenna | GER / FC Köln | Calgary, AB
- Olivier Occean | GER / Eintracht Frankfurt | Brossard, QC
- other selection/ autre
On the heels of the announcement that D.C. United and midfielder Branko Boskovic would part ways, fans of the club took to Twitter to share their gratitude for all that the Montenegrin has done for the Black-and-Red.
.@dcunited Please pass along best wishes to Branko and his family in dealing with his personal matters. He will be missed by #dcu faithful.
— ben (@beardyblue) November 21, 2012
Farwell to @dcunited player Branko Boskovic. He will be missed and I wish him the best in his future endeavors #DCU
— James Armold (@armoldjp) November 21, 2012
@dcunited he deserves to go out with his head held high. He's done so much for the club! Thoughts are with him and his family. #OlsensArmy
— Anne Gustaveson (@annegusgirl) November 21, 2012
More credit to Boscovic: With issues back home, he never played like his thoughts were elsewhere. A true professional. #DCU
— Kim Kolb (@NestDevil09) November 21, 2012
Say what you want about Branko, but when DeRo went down, if he wasn't here, we would not have made the playoffs, best of luck to him #DCU
— DCUparagon (@DCUparagon) November 21, 2012
Branko Branko Branko Boskovic! Brankooo... Boskovic! Thanks for the memories, esp the diving header.@dcunited
— The Ferbear (@FerToTheBear) November 21, 2012
Branko, one of my favorites. KILLER precision on FKs. Brought tempo to the game. #DCU forever in my heart. @dcunited
— Steven (@Morocco_Mole) November 21, 2012
@dcunited he deserves to go out with his head held high. He's done so much for the club! Thoughts are with him and his family. #OlsensArmy
— Anne Gustaveson (@annegusgirl) November 21, 2012
@dcunited Thank you Branko. My best to you and your family.
— julius (@itwasi) November 21, 2012
@dcunited Good luck to Branko.His time here wasn't perfect, but he hung in there through a lot and will be remembered fondly.
— Don Mayer (@Brashnir) November 21, 2012
DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray has been a vocal supporter of D.C. United during the 2012 MLS Cup Playoff run. Today, he congratulated the team on a successful season.
Tough loss on aggregate for @dcunited yesterday.Congratulations on a great season w/ a return to playoff form! #vamosunited @conventionsdc
— Vincent C. Gray (@mayorvincegray) November 19, 2012
Major League Soccer today announced that Chicago Fire defender Austin Berry is the 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year. D.C. United midfielder Nick DeLeon finished second in the voting.
DeLeon played in 28 matches (25 starts) is his first professional season and broke the club's rookie goal-scoring record with six goals. The talented winger also scored two goals in four matches during the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs.
DeLeon is United's fourth consecutive MLS Rookie of the Year finalist. He is the third player to come in second (Pontius - 2009, Kitchen - 2011). Andy Najar won the award in 2010.
Below is a breakdown of the voting:
| PLAYER | % CLUB VOTES | % MEDIA VOTES | % PLAYER VOTES | WEIGHTED TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Berry (CHI) | 51.79 | 56.92 | 31.96 | 140.67 |
| Nick DeLeon (DC) | 25 | 26.15 | 22.68 | 73.83 |
| Darren Mattocks (VAN) | 7.14 | 4.62 | 14.43 | 26.19 |
| Luis Silva (TOR) | 10.71 | 1.54 | 7.22 | 18.93 |
| Connor Lade (NY) | 0 | 1.54 | 7.22 | 8.76 |