D.C. United have selected Wake Forest University defender Michael DeShields with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas. The Black-and-Red acquired the fifth overall pick from Atlanta United in exchange for $125,000 in General Allocation Money in an earlier trade.
DeShields scored three goals and recorded an assist in 60 appearances for the Wake Forest Deacons from 2017 to 2019. In his final season with Wake Forest in 2019, DeShields started 21 of their 22 games, leading their defense to an average of only 0.72 goals conceded per match and earned a Second-Team All-South Region nomination.
The Baltimore native joined New England Revolution II in the USL League One on Nov. 30, 2020, but did not appear for the side.
Player: Michael DeShields
Selection: 5th overall pick (1st round) in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
Position: Defender
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
Country: United States
Birthdate: 04/23/1998
Age: 22
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 180
Status: Domestic
