Conor Shanosky loaned to Fort Lauderdale Strikers

D.C. United announced today that defensive midfielder Conor Shanosky has been loaned to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League. The United Academy graduate will be part of the Strikers’ roster for the entire 2012 season.

Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

• NASL
• Daryl Shore, Head Coach
• Founded 2006
• strikers.com

“This is a great opportunity for Conor to continue his development as a professional,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “The loan to Ft. Lauderdale will allow him to get important first team experience on a regular basis, and we look forward to following his development.”

Shanosky’s only appearance with D.C. United’s senior team came during an international friendly match against European giants AFC Ajax on May 22, 2011 at RFK Stadium with Shanosky coming on for Perry Kitchen in the 76th minute. The D.C. United Academy product played seven matches (five starts) for the Black-and-Red in the 2011 MLS Reserve League, putting in 478 minutes of action. Shanosky was originally signed on August 6, 2010, becoming the club’s third homegrown player signed to the first team, following Bill Hamid and Andy Najar.

Shanosky traveled to Holland in December with the 2011 Generation adidas squad. The Virginia native was part of an 18-man roster that faced AFC Ajax’s reserve team and Second Division Dutch clubs FC Volendam and Almere City.

The 20-year-old was part of the U.S. U-20 side in 2010, taking part in the Milk Cup held in Ireland and the Cuadrangular Internacional in Peru. Shanosky continued to play a role in the U.S. youth system in 2011, earning a call-up to the U-20 side for two friendlies in France on May 17 and May 19 against France’s U-20’s.