Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2009) - D.C. United today signed midfielder Ely Allen of the USL Premier Development League. Allen joins United after spending two seasons in MLS and USL. As a roster replacement for Brandon Barklage, Allen is not available for selection in tomorrow’s game at San Jose and will join the Black-and-Red at training next week.
“Ely is an intelligent player who will provide solid cover for us at the forward and midfield positions,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “Brandon was enjoying a great start to his career and we expect great things from him in the future. His injury was an unfortunate event, but we look forward to a full recovery and seeing Brandon ready for pre-season next year.”
Allen initially joined MLS last season, selected by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the second round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. During the pre-season, in just his second professional appearance, Allen scored against Sydney FC in the Pan-Pacific Championships. Allen made his MLS debut in the Galaxy’s first match of the 2008 campaign, against the Colorado Rapids, and two months later tallied his first career League goal against the same team. In all, the Kent, WA native appeared in 12 League matches (11 starts) and added one assist during his rookie season.
After being waived by the Galaxy in February 2009, Allen joined the Seattle Wolves of the USL Premier Development League in May. In his time there, Allen excelled, tallying six goals and six assists in 16 games.
In his senior campaign at the University of Washington, Allen was named a College Soccer News Second Team All-American and a NSCAA All-Far West Region third-team selection. Allen was also a First Team All-Pac-10 player, finishing the season as the Pac-10’s leading scorer with 12 goals and 26 points. He started 21 games and tallied five game-winning goals.
The 5-foot, 11-inch midfielder also spent time with the Under-18 National Team in 2004.
Name: Ely Allen
Pronunciation: ee-lie AL-en
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: June 12, 1986
Age: 23
Place of Birth: Anchorage, AK
Hometown: Kent, WA
Citizenship: U.S.
Last Club: Seattle (PDL)
Roster status: Senior roster
Acquired: Signed on July 24, 2009.
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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
