DC United Drafts Three

Mike Martin

January 19, 2008

Andrew Jackson in action during the 2008 MLS PLayer Combine

Andrew Jackson in action during the 2008 MLS PLayer Combine
Photo: Andy Mead/YSS

Clearly far more concerned with international signings and the new contracts for some key returning veterans, United had a very quiet draft day selecting three unspectacular players out of a largely unspectacular draft.

Washington, D.C. With their highest pick being a late second rounder, United selected two way midfielder, Andrew Jacobsen (above left) out of UC-Berkeley with the 24th overall pick. At 6-2 he is well beyond United’s usual height restrictions, but is considered one of the best holding midfielders in the entire draft. The fact he slipped to the late second round could mean he might have been a bit overrated or that he didn’t show well at the MLS combine due to carrying a slight injury.

United picked up left wing, Ryan Cordiero out of Connecticut with the fifth pick of the third round, 33rd overall. The attack minded midfield/forward could fill a glaring need United has on the wing, or he could be this year’s Ricky Schramm.

Finally, with the fifth to last pick overall, United took a flyer on defender-midfielder Tony Schmitz out of Creighton.

United appears to be focused on three international signings out of South America that will be announced soon. Defender Gonzalo Martinez from Colombia and forward Franco Niell from Argentina, along with goalkeeper Jose Carvallo from Peru are believed to be all but signed. DC also apparently has nearly completed a new contract with Jaime Moreno that will keep him in United colors for the remainder of his career. DC is still waiting for playmaker Christian Gomez to accept their contract offer.

DC United also unveiled its new kits for the 2008-9 seasons, and for the first time ever will not be wearing the famed three stripes across their chests. The new uniforms will be a solid black and solid white with three stripes down the sleeves and a splash of red at the cuffs. The elimination of the stripes was forced by Adidas being unwilling to allow a potential shirt sponsor to interfere with their three stripe logo.

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