Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that the club has declined its option on midfielder Dwayne De Rosario who will become eligible for the Re-Entry Draft.
De Rosario joined United on June 27, 2011, after a mid-season trade with the New York Red Bulls. In his first 18 games, the Canadian international recorded 13 goals and seven assists, earning the club’s MVP, Golden Boot and Fan’s Choice awards. He was also named the Volkswagen MLS MVP as well as the MLS Budweiser Golden Boot winner with 16 total league goals. In 2012, De Rosario was named captain of the Black-and-Red as he netted seven goals to go along with a team-leading 12 assists en route to leading United to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. This MLS season he recorded three goals and two assists in 24 games. In U.S. Open Cup play, De Rosario netted five goals in five games, helping lead the team to the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Championship game where it defeated Real Salt Lake, 1-0.
"We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions to our team over the past three seasons,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He was instrumental in helping the club reach the 2013 Eastern Conference Championship Series, as well as winning this year's U.S. Open Cup. This was a difficult decision to make, but it was one that we felt was best for our team to move forward into next season and beyond. We wish Dwayne all the best with his future.”
A four-time MLS Cup Champion, De Rosario finished his Black-and-Red with career 23 goals and 21 assists in 68 games played. Having previously played with the San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls, he currently sits sixth on the all-time MLS scoring list with 103 tallies.
