With the very real possibility that first-string goalie Bill Hamid will spend time with either the senior U.S. Men's National Team or the U.S. Olympic side at some point this season, depth between the pipes is a must-have for Ben Olsen and his coaching staff.
To that end, the club announced on Monday that goalie Andrew Dykstra has been added to the senior roster. The 26-year-old is a Northern Virginia native, attending Osbourn Park High School in Manassas before a four-year career at Virginia Commonwealth University.
"I'm glad to be a part of D.C.," Dykstra said after Monday's training session. "It's the hometown team and I really respect Ben Olsen and Pat Onstad … I know it means a lot to my family that I'm staying in town."
It's fitting that Dykstra's bit of good news comes while the club is in Charleston for the last leg of preseason. After being released by the Chicago Fire early in 2011, Dykstra found a home with the Charleston Battery last year, finishing second in USL Pro in goals against average (0.846).
"I know I can play at this level after my stint in the USL," Dykstra added. "It just gave me the confidence that a younger keeper needs. Now I'm coming back [to MLS] with that confidence and, in a way, to prove something."
Dykstra and United will face his former team Wednesday night in D.C.'s second match of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Kickoff against the Battery is scheduled for 7:15 and the game will be streamed live on dcunited.com
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