It still feels like the middle of winter, but in two weeks it will be March, and in one week DC United will open their 2025 MLS season with a home match against Toronto (February 22 at 730pm). The long-range forecast is cold, so long-johns might be a wise idea.
The roster action hasn’t been quite as intense in the new year as it was in the last part of 2024, but GM Ally Mackay has not been idle. So far in 2025,
Goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong (21, South Korea) was signed as expected, and has been starting in preseason.
Midfielder Randall Leal (28, Costa Rican international) was claimed off waivers from Nashville FC.
Center back Kye Rowles (26, Australian international with World Cup experience) was obtained from the Scottish club Hearts.
Midfielder Brandon Servania (25, US international) was signed as a free agent. He played for FC Dallas and more rcently for Toronto FC.
Ted Ku-Dipietro was sold to the Colorado Rapids for $1.125 million dollars. (MLS is now allowing direct cash payments for players). All the best, Ted.
There was also talk recently about DC signing free agent midfielder Rida Zouhir (most recently from Montreal) but nothing at the moment about that.
And finally, DC may be signing 18 year old academy product Gavin Turner (midfield) but that is not a done deal.
At the moment, our roster is (I think…)
Goalkeeper, Kim Joon-Hong, Luis Barraza, Jordan Farr
Defender: Conner Antley, Lucas Bartlett, Aaron Herrera, Lukas McNaughton, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg, Garrison Tubbs
Midfield: Jared Stroud, Gabriel Pirani, Jackson Hopkins, Boris Enow, Brandon Servania, Randall Leal, Derek Dodson, Matti Peltola, Hosei Kijima
Forward: Christian Benteke, Dominic Badji, Jacob Murrell, Joao Peglow
I’ve highlighted in dark font those who started DC’s last preseason game against Houston earlier today (February 15).
I wish they still gave out Match Day programs, we’ll need them on the 22nd.
Vamos United!