DC United Roster Moves For 2019
MLS roster moves are under way for the 2019 season. DC United only exercised the options for Luciano Acosta and Jalen Robinson, both of whom are two of the squad’s more quality players. More notably were the contracts that were not renewed. Players like Yamil Asad, Darren Mattocks, Oniel Fisher, and Ian Harkes.
An announcement made by DC United indicated Yamil Asad is likely to be resigned to a new deal allowing them to keep one of their core players. The 24 year old midfielder had 8 goals and 9 assists in 27 starts for the Black-and-Red in 2018.
Darren Mattocks was also one of the better players for DC scoring 8 goals in 12 starts before Wayne Rooney came to town. However, after the Rooney era began he saw a drastic decrease in minutes only starting twice in the next 21 matches, which explains why United ultimately decided not to bring him back.
Oniel Fisher was a staple on defense in 2018 for DC United playing starting 20 games before missing the rest of the season after injuring his right knee against in a 5-0 win against Montreal Impact on September 29th. DC United did not renew Fisher’s contract.
Ian Harkes, son of Hall of Famer John Harkes, caught a tough break this season due to United’s deep midfield. Chris Durkin, Russell Canouse, and Ulises Segura are all to blame for Harkes’ diminished playing time. DC can afford to let go of Harkes in large part due to the emergence of Chris Durkin who earned his way to the USMNT.
DC United currently has 15 players on their roster. Assuming Asad agrees to a deal, this leaves them with two spots that they are required to fill. All MLS teams must have at least 18 active players on their senior squad. So, that begs the question: who will fill those last two slots?
