Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2009) – D.C. United announced today the club has signed two players – midfielder Brandon Barklage and defender Anthony Peters. Barklage was originally selected in the third round (36th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, while Peters joins United after completing a trial with the team during preseason.
“We are pleased to bring Brandon on board as a member of United,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He has good technical qualities and he will provide us with solid cover in the midfield.”
Barklage spent the final two years of his collegiate career at St. Louis University. He started all 22 games he saw action in as a senior, notching seven goals and 10 assists. In 2007, he made 19 appearances (all starts) and scored three goals and five assists. Prior to playing at St. Louis, he attended the University of New Mexico for two years. In 2006, he earned first-team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and NSCAA All-Far West Region Third Team honors after notching three goals and four assists in 19 games (17 starts). During his freshman year he tallied two goals and five assists in 23 games (17 starts).
“Anthony has earned a contract with us through his solid play during our most recent pre-season training camp,” said Kasper. “We are intrigued with his size and presence, and we look forward to his future contributions to our club.”
Peters began his college career at the University of Kentucky in 2002. During his freshman season, the 6-foot, five-inch defender saw time in 18 of the team’s 19 matches (4 starts), tallying three goals and adding an assist. Peters was red-shirted in 2003. During his final season with the Wildcats, in 2004, Peters notched two goals and five assists in 18 games (17 starts).
After his third season at UK, Peters spent parts of 2006 and 2007 abroad, training in Norway and Iceland. The 6-foot, 5-inch defender returned to the United States and joined West Virginia Wesleyan College in time for the 2007 campaign. That season, Peters played in 14 games (12 starts) and recorded three goals and two assists for the Bobcats. During his senior season, the Louisiana native started all 21 games the team played and notched seven goals and two assists playing as a midfielder and forward. He was named WVIAC Player of the Year and to the NSCAA/Adidas Atlantic Region All-American First Team.
Placer vitals:
Name: Brandon Barklage
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 173
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: Nov. 2, 1986
Age: 22
Place of Birth: St. Louis, MO
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Citizenship: U.S.
Last Club: St. Louis University
Acquired: Drafted in the third round (36th overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft on 1/15/09.
Name: Anthony Peters
Position: Defender
Height: 6-5
Weight: 205
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: Oct. 24, 1983
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Baton Rouge, LA
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Citizenship: American
Last Club: West Virginia Wesleyan College
Acquired: Signed on March 2, 2009
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
