Steven Birnbaum

D.C. United

Defender

Real Name: Steven Birnbaum

HT: 6' 1" WT: 180

Age: 28 (01/23/1991)

Birthplace: Newport, California

Hometown: Newport, California

@StevenBirnbaum

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2018 (D.C. United): The fifth-year center back set new career-highs in 2018, including starting all 34 MLS regular season games and setting a club record after playing every minute (3,060 minutes) of the season; beating Bobby Boswell who previously held the record with 3,045 minutes played in the 2014 season. Birnbaum showed his aerial dominance again in 2018, leading the league in total clearances (217), headed clearances (120), and aerials won (173). Birnbaum’s defensive resurgence was key in United conceding just 11 goals in their final 14 games this season. Birnbaum also contributed two goals over the course of the season; his second was the lone goal in a crucial 1-1 draw in September against NYCFC. This season also marked the fourth time the defender made an appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Birnbaum was named a member of the MLS Team of the Week for Week 28 and Week 34, with both appearances coming after standout performances against NYCFC.

2017 (D.C. United): In his fourth MLS season, Birnbaum became the club’s team captain after dominant performances during his career in the United backline. The 26-year-old continued to be a staple in the Black-and-Red defense, leading the team’s defenders in clearances (127), interceptions (40) and minutes (2,246). The California native appeared in 26 matches (25 starts), marking the fourth consecutive season in which he made at least 21 starts.

2016 (D.C. United): The third-year defender from California played in his most productive season yet in 2016, setting career highs in appearances, starts, minutes, goals, assists and shots while being named to his first MLS All-Star Game. Birnbaum started 2016 off strong, making his international debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team on Jan. 28 before scoring his first international goal several days later on Jan. 31 (a game-winner against Iceland). Birnbaum was also named to Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for the Copa America Centenario over the summer and World Cup Qualifiers in March and September. He scored goals in back-to-back matches (8/06 and 8/13) and his third (and career-high) against the New York Red Bulls on 9/11.

2015 (D.C. United): The 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist made 22 appearances (21 starts) in his second MLS season and scored the first goals of his career. He scored for the first time at Alajuelense in Costa Rica in the quarterfinals of the 2014-15 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. Birnbaum also scored his first career regular season goal against Toronto FC on June 6, then tallied a game-tying goal in a 1-1 draw at Colorado on Sept. 12. He also made appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the 2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League.

2014 (D.C. United): After starting the year as a reserve, Birnbaum finished the season as an MLS Rookie of the Year finalist, starting in the final 21 games for United after replacing the injured Jeff Parke on June 7 against the Columbus Crew at FedEx Field. The Irvine, Calif., native became the fifth D.C. United rookie of the year finalist in six seasons, joining Chris Pontius (2009 finalist), Andy Najar (2010 Rookie of the Year), Perry Kitchen (2011 finalist) and Nick DeLeon (2012 finalist).

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Birnbaum was one of three team captains for Cal in 2013. He was a Missouri Athletic Club Herman Trophy Semifinalist, named a NSCAA First Team All-American, NSCAA First Team All-Far-West Team, College Soccer News First Team All-American selection, All Pac-12 first team, Pac-12 All-Academic honorable mention and Soccer News Net College Boot Player of the Year Finalist. He started and played 19 games at central defense for the Bears and finished the season with 10 goals and one assist. Birnbaum helped lead the Bears to the NCAA tournament quarterfinals in 2013. Started in all 20 games for the Bears in 2010 and finished the season with one goal and five assists.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Birnbaum competed for the U.S. U-18 and U-20 National Team squads in tournaments in Portugal and Mexico in 2008. He was a part of the U.S. squad that competed against Manchester United in the 2008 Milk Cup Final. Birnbaum won a silver medal with the U.S. team in the 2012 Pan Am Maccabi games in Brazil.

ACQUIRED

Selected in the first round (2nd overall) of 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Re-signed to a multi-year contract on Dec. 2, 2016.

Stats

Player Stats

Game Log

MLS

Career Statistics (Regular Season)

Year	Club	GP	GS	G	MINS	A	SHTS	SOG	FC	OFF	Y
2019	D.C. United	14	14	1	1260	1	11	3	17	3	3
2018	D.C. United	34	34	2	3060	0	17	6	33	0	4
2017	D.C. United	26	25	0	2249	0	24	3	38	1	2
2016	D.C. United	26	26	3	2340	2	33	12	37	2	5
2015	D.C. United	22	21	2	1822	0	14	5	29	2	5
2014	D.C. United	21	21	0	1890	0	11	1	10	0	0
Career Totals	-	143	141	8	12621	3	110	30	164	8	19

Career Statistics (Post Season)

Year	Club	GP	GS	MINS	A	SHTS	SOG	FC
2016	D.C. United	1	1	90	0	3	2	1
2015	D.C. United	3	3	270	0	1	0	7
2014	D.C. United	2	2	180	1	0	0	5

Regular Season

Date	Match	Result	Appearance	MINS	G	A	SHTS	SOG	FC	FS	Y
5/18/2019	DC @ HOU	L 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
5/15/2019	DC @ TOR	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/12/2019	SKC @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	4	1	2	1	0
5/04/2019	CLB @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/28/2019	DC @ MIN	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	3	1	1
4/24/2019	DC @ CLB	W 1-0	Started	90	0	0	1	1	1	0	1
4/21/2019	NYC @ DC	L 2-0	Started	90	0	0	2	0	1	0	0
4/13/2019	DC @ COL	W 3-2	Started	90	0	1	1	0	2	0	1
4/09/2019	MTL @ DC	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
4/06/2019	LAFC @ DC	L 4-0	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	0
3/31/2019	DC @ ORL	W 2-1	Started	90	1	0	1	1	3	0	0
3/16/2019	RSL @ DC	W 0-5	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/10/2019	DC @ NYC	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	1	0
3/03/2019	ATL @ DC	W 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/28/2018	DC @ CHI	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
10/21/2018	NYC @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
10/17/2018	TOR @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
10/13/2018	DAL @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
10/07/2018	CHI @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
9/29/2018	MTL @ DC	W 0-5	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
9/16/2018	RBNY @ DC	T 3-3	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	1	0
9/12/2018	MIN @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
9/08/2018	DC @ NYC	T 1-1	Started	90	1	0	1	1	0	2	0
9/02/2018	ATL @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
8/29/2018	PHI @ DC	L 2-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	1	1
8/26/2018	DC @ RBNY	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/19/2018	NE @ DC	W 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
8/15/2018	POR @ DC	W 1-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/12/2018	ORL @ DC	W 2-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	1
8/04/2018	DC @ MTL	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	1
7/28/2018	COL @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
7/25/2018	RBNY @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	0	1	1	0	0	0
7/21/2018	DC @ ATL	L 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
7/14/2018	VAN @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
7/04/2018	DC @ LA	T 2-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
6/30/2018	DC @ NE	L 2-3	Started	90	0	0	1	1	1	0	0
6/13/2018	DC @ TOR	T 4-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
6/09/2018	DC @ SEA	L 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
5/26/2018	DC @ LAFC	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	2	0	2	0	0
5/19/2018	DC @ SJ	W 3-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/12/2018	DC @ RSL	L 2-3	Started	90	1	0	3	1	0	0	0
4/28/2018	DC @ PHI	L 2-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
4/14/2018	CLB @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/31/2018	DC @ SKC	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	1	1	0	0
3/24/2018	DC @ CLB	L 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	1	0
3/17/2018	HOU @ DC	T 2-2	Started	90	0	0	3	1	0	0	0
3/11/2018	DC @ ATL	L 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/03/2018	DC @ ORL	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	1	1
10/22/2017	RBNY @ DC	L 2-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/15/2017	DC @ POR	L 0-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
9/30/2017	DC @ CLB	L 0-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
9/27/2017	DC @ RBNY	T 3-3	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	1
9/23/2017	SJ @ DC	W 0-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
9/16/2017	DC @ CHI	L 0-3	Started	78	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
9/09/2017	ORL @ DC	L 2-1	Started	90	0	0	4	0	1	1	0
8/26/2017	NE @ DC	W 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/23/2017	ATL @ DC	W 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/19/2017	DC @ COL	W 1-0	Started	87	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
8/13/2017	RSL @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	0	2	1	0	0	0
8/05/2017	TOR @ DC	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	3	1	0
7/29/2017	DC @ MIN	L 0-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	2	0
7/22/2017	HOU @ DC	L 3-1	Subbed on	15	0	0	1	1	1	0	0
7/19/2017	DC @ SEA	L 3-4	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	0
7/04/2017	DC @ DAL	L 2-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	1	0
7/01/2017	DC @ MTL	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	2	0	1	1	0
6/24/2017	DC @ PHI	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	3	1	0
6/21/2017	ATL @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
6/17/2017	DC @ TOR	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	2	0
6/03/2017	LA @ DC	T 0-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/31/2017	DC @ ORL	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
5/27/2017	DC @ VAN	W 1-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
5/20/2017	CHI @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	0	1	1	1	0	0
5/13/2017	PHI @ DC	L 4-0	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	0
5/06/2017	MTL @ DC	L 1-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/30/2017	DC @ ATL	W 3-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/22/2017	DC @ NE	T 2-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/15/2017	DC @ RBNY	L 0-2	Started	89	0	0	4	0	2	1	0
4/08/2017	NYC @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	0
4/01/2017	PHI @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	1	0
3/18/2017	CLB @ DC	L 2-0	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	0
3/12/2017	DC @ NYC	L 0-4	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	2	1
3/04/2017	SKC @ DC	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	1	0
10/23/2016	DC @ ORL	L 2-4	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/16/2016	NYC @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	3	1	0	1	0
10/01/2016	DC @ TOR	W 2-1	Started	90	0	0	1	1	0	1	0
9/28/2016	CLB @ DC	W 0-3	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	2	0
9/24/2016	ORL @ DC	W 1-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	4	1	0
9/16/2016	DC @ CHI	T 2-2	Started	90	0	0	3	0	1	0	0
9/11/2016	DC @ RBNY	T 2-2	Started	90	1	0	2	1	0	1	0
9/01/2016	DC @ NYC	L 2-3	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/27/2016	CHI @ DC	W 2-6	Started	90	0	1	3	2	2	0	0
8/24/2016	DC @ MTL	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	1
8/21/2016	RBNY @ DC	T 2-2	Started	90	0	1	1	1	1	1	0
8/13/2016	POR @ DC	W 0-2	Started	90	1	0	1	1	1	0	0
8/06/2016	PHI @ DC	T 2-2	Started	90	1	0	4	3	0	0	0
7/31/2016	MTL @ DC	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	2	1	2	0	0
7/23/2016	DC @ TOR	L 1-4	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	0
7/16/2016	DC @ CLB	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	3	1	0
7/09/2016	DC @ PHI	L 0-3	Started	90	0	0	1	1	0	1	0
7/01/2016	DC @ RSL	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
6/25/2016	NE @ DC	W 0-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
6/18/2016	DC @ HOU	T 0-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
6/01/2016	SEA @ DC	L 2-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/27/2016	DC @ SKC	W 1-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/20/2016	DC @ PHI	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	3	1	1
5/13/2016	RBNY @ DC	W 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
5/08/2016	NYC @ DC	L 2-0	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
4/30/2016	DC @ CHI	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	1
4/23/2016	NE @ DC	W 0-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
4/16/2016	TOR @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	0	2	0	4	0	1
4/09/2016	VAN @ DC	W 0-4	Started	90	0	0	2	0	2	0	0
4/02/2016	DC @ SJ	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/26/2016	DAL @ DC	L 3-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/20/2016	COL @ DC	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	0
3/12/2016	DC @ NE	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
3/06/2016	DC @ LA	L 1-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	3	0	0
10/25/2015	DC @ CLB	L 0-5	Subbed on	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/18/2015	CHI @ DC	W 0-4	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/02/2015	NYC @ DC	W 1-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
9/26/2015	DC @ MTL	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
9/19/2015	CLB @ DC	L 2-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
9/12/2015	DC @ COL	T 1-1	Started	90	1	0	1	1	3	1	0
8/30/2015	DC @ RBNY	L 0-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	1
8/22/2015	SJ @ DC	L 2-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/13/2015	DC @ NYC	L 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
8/08/2015	DC @ MTL	W 1-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	3	0
8/01/2015	RSL @ DC	W 4-6	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	0	0
7/26/2015	PHI @ DC	W 2-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
7/18/2015	DC @ DAL	L 1-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	1	0
7/03/2015	DC @ SEA	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	1	0
6/27/2015	DC @ TOR	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	1	1	1	4	0
6/24/2015	DC @ CHI	W 1-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	1
6/21/2015	NE @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	2	0
6/14/2015	DC @ ORL	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	2	1	0
6/06/2015	TOR @ DC	L 2-1	Started	90	1	0	2	1	3	0	1
6/03/2015	CHI @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	4	0	0
5/30/2015	PHI @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	3	1	0	1	0
5/27/2015	DC @ POR	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	2	1	2	2	0
5/23/2015	DC @ NE	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/17/2015	DC @ PHI	L 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/13/2015	ORL @ DC	W 1-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/09/2015	SKC @ DC	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/02/2015	CLB @ DC	W 0-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/25/2015	DC @ VAN	W 2-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/18/2015	HOU @ DC	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/11/2015	RBNY @ DC	T 2-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/03/2015	DC @ ORL	W 1-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/28/2015	LA @ DC	W 0-1	Started	5	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
3/22/2015	DC @ RBNY	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	2	0	0
3/07/2015	MTL @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
10/25/2014	DC @ MTL	T 1-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	1	0
10/18/2014	CHI @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	2	0
10/12/2014	DC @ HOU	W 3-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10/03/2014	SKC @ DC	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
9/27/2014	PHI @ DC	W 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
9/20/2014	DC @ CHI	T 3-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	2	0
9/10/2014	DC @ RBNY	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	1	1	0	1	0
9/06/2014	DC @ VAN	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
8/31/2014	RBNY @ DC	W 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
8/27/2014	DC @ LA	L 1-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
8/23/2014	DC @ SKC	W 3-0	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
8/17/2014	COL @ DC	W 2-4	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
8/09/2014	DC @ RSL	L 0-3	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
8/03/2014	DC @ HOU	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
7/30/2014	TOR @ DC	W 0-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	0	1	0
7/20/2014	CHV @ DC	W 1-3	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	1	0
7/11/2014	DC @ SJ	W 2-1	Started	90	0	0	1	0	1	0	0
7/05/2014	DC @ TOR	W 2-1	Started	90	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
6/28/2014	SEA @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	0	2	0	0	1	0
6/11/2014	DC @ MTL	W 4-2	Started	90	0	0	1	0	0	1	0
6/07/2014	CLB @ DC	T 0-0	Started	90	0	0	2	0	0	1	0
5/31/2014	SKC @ DC	W 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/24/2014	DC @ NE	L 1-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/21/2014	HOU @ DC	W 0-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/17/2014	MTL @ DC	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/10/2014	DC @ PHI	W 1-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
5/03/2014	DC @ POR	L 2-3	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/26/2014	DAL @ DC	W 1-4	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/19/2014	DC @ CLB	T 1-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/12/2014	RBNY @ DC	W 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
4/05/2014	NE @ DC	W 0-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/29/2014	CHI @ DC	T 2-2	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/22/2014	DC @ TOR	L 0-1	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
3/08/2014	CLB @ DC	L 3-0	Unused Sub	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Post Season

Date	Match	Result	Appearance	MINS	A	SHTS	SOG	FC	FS
11/01/2018	CLB @ DC	T 2(3)-(2)2	Started	120	0	2	1	2	0
10/27/2016	MTL @ DC	L 4-2	Started	90	0	3	2	1	1
11/08/2015	DC @ RBNY	L 0-1	Started	90	0	0	0	3	0
11/01/2015	RBNY @ DC	L 1-0	Started	90	0	1	0	2	0
10/28/2015	NE @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	0	0	0	2	3
11/08/2014	RBNY @ DC	W 1-2	Started	90	1	0	0	4	0
11/02/2014	DC @ RBNY	L 0-2	Started	90	0	0	0	1	0

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