Chris Pontius - 13

MLS Experience

2009: With the seventh overall pick of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, D.C. United selected Chris Pontius out of the University of California, Santa Barbara. United fans knew they had a special player on the team after just 62 minutes of the 2009 MLS when, in D.C.’s season-opener against the LA Galaxy, the rookie scored his first goal as a professional – a beautiful, bending strike to the far post. Pontius, who was used at nearly every offensive position on the field, went on to play in all but two of the team’s 30 League games (23 starts), tallying four goals and three assists. In all competitions, his numbers are even more impressive: 40 of a total 44 games played, 31 starts, eight goals, six assists.

College Experience

2008: During his senior year, Pontius led UCSB with 14 goals. He started each of the team’s 22 games and was second on the team in minutes (1,883). Following his senior campaign, Pontius was named as a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, a member of College Soccer News All-American Second Team, to the NSCAA All-American Third Team, and the All-Far West First Team.

2007: In his junior year, Pontius led the Big West conference with 11 goals and was honored as the Big West Offensive Player of the Year. He played in 21 games (19 starts) and was also named to the All-Big West First Team.

2006: Pontius’ versatility was on display during his sophomore season, as he played in 23 matches (22 starts). Though he was primarily used as a left midfielder he also saw time both in the defense and as a forward. He scored a goal and contributed two assists.

2005: During his freshman year, Pontius played in 20 of 21 matches, making five starts for the Gauchos. He scored his first career goal against Northwestern, and finished the season with a total of three.

Acquired

Selected in the first round (7th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft on 1/15/09.