Washington, D.C. (February 10, 2009) – D.C. United announced today the signing of 2008 draft pick Andrew Jacobson. The midfielder was selected in the second round (24th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, but signed with FC Lorient of the French first division shortly after being drafted. He joins D.C. after a season in Europe that saw him struggle with injury and for playing time. Jacobson will officially join United’s roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
“We are excited that Andrew is on board at D.C. United,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is a versatile two-way midfielder that has great technical ability and his size and work rate afford our team several options within the midfield.”
Prior to being drafted by the Black-and-Red, Jacobson starred for the University of California for four years. He totaled 11 goals and 13 assists in his 83 career appearances (62 starts) for the Bears and was a standout his final season. As a senior in 2007, Jacobson was a NSCAA First Team All-American, a member of the All-Far West First Team, PAC-10 All First Team and the PAC-10 Player of the Year. The midfielder, who is able to play in both an attacking and defensive role, was also named to the NSCAA All-Far West Second Team in 2006 and was All Pac-10 First Team in both 2005 and 2006.
Jacobson secured a trial with FC Lorient shortly after being drafted, and quickly agreed to terms with the Ligue 1 side. After signing a contract, Jacobson broke a bone in his foot before he could debut for the club, and the injury ended his 2007-2008 campaign. After off-season surgery, he came back and was unable to make FC Lorient’s starting lineup. His season took another detour when he was named to the U.S. National Futsal Team roster and played at the Futsal World Cup in Brazil. Jacobson traveled with the team to Rio de Janeiro and appeared as a substitute in all four-group matches in the competition.
Player vitals:
Name: Andrew Jacobson
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185
Date of Birth: 9-25-1985
Age: 23
Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
Citizenship: American
Last Club: FC Lorient (France)
Acquired: Signed, Feb. 10, 2009
Status: Senior roster
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
