White on playing for D.C. United

ROSTER TAKING SHAPE

D.C. United's roster continued its evolution today with the signing of 19-year-old centerback Ethan White, marking the fourth occasion since September of 2009 that the Black-and-Red have promoted a former Academy player to the first team. White joins 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, goalkeeper Bill Hamid, and midfielder Conor Shanosky on United's senior roster. The club's desire to develop self-sustaining talent has resulted in something of youth renaissance at RFK Stadium, and in White United has signed a strong and athletic central defender. 

OLSEN ON WHITE

University of Maryland photo

Ben Olsen is no stranger to the former Terrapin, as White trained with United throughout the summer and starred for the Black-and-Red's U-18 side at the Youth Academy level. Said Olsen of his newest recruit, "Ethan [White] is another example of how far our Academy system has come in the past few years. He is a great kid, a competitive kid, and I think he has improved immensely at the University of Maryland."

Olsen continues, "We hope to watch Ethan continue to grow here at D.C. United, and we think he will have a huge impact on this team. He's what this Academy system is all about, a guy that grows up playing here with our guys, and has enormous potential. We know he still has growing to do, but he knows what D.C. United is about, and we're excited to see him continue his development."

WHITE ACHIEVES HIS DREAM

White's stock heading into the 2011 MLS SuperDraft in January would have been strong after leading Maryland's defense to a program-best 15 clean sheets in 2010. In his college career, White started every match he was able to play in, missing only three contests through injury. Without having to use a SuperDraft selection, United acquires a physical defender that knows the Black-and-Red ethos from his time with the Youth Academy. White himself could not be more excited, "It means so much to be able to play for my hometown team. I've looked up to D.C. United since I was a little boy, and to finally be able to make that step up to RFK Stadium is crazy. I'm still having a hard time believing it."

White knows that challenges lie ahead, but he is eager to prove himself on the training field beginning in January. Said the young defender, "I'm so excited to take a step forward and to prove myself next season in MLS. I thought I took a big step forward with Maryland, and I want to thank everybody there for what they did for me. I had a feeling my time would come [with D.C. United], but I had no idea it would come so soon."

Prior to joining United's Youth Academy at the age of 16, White was developed by the Potomac Soccer Association. 

CIROVSKI'S THOUGHTS

White's former coach at the University of Maryland, Sasho Cirovski, is thrilled for his most recent MLS signing.“It’s always been a dream for Ethan to play professionally and for D.C. United. We are happy for him and his family that he has been able to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional player for his hometown club."

Cirovski continues, "Ethan has great potential and we have seen tremendous strides over his past two years and know that the best is yet to come. He has been a great player for us and an integral part of all our success. On behalf of Terrapin nation, we thank him for his contributions and wish him the very best.”