D.C. United may have just lost Dwayne De Rosario for 10-12 weeks, but they made sure Chris Pontius will be under their control for years to come as they announced signing their 25-year-old forward to a "long-term" contract on Friday. Pontius was already United's longest tenured player on the current roster and was leading the team with 10 goals this season.

"We are thrilled to have agreed to terms with Chris on a new deal," D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper said in a team release. "Whether playing at midfield or forward, Chris has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Major League Soccer. His best soccer is still to come and this is exciting for the club, our fans, and our community. We look forward to his contributions, on and off the field, for years to come."

Since debuting with United in 2009, Pontius has really come into his own the last couple of seasons. He scored seven goals with five assists in 2011 and has followed that up with a 10-goal, two-assist performance so far this year. That has earned him a spot on the MLS All-Star team and has put him conversations for a United States national team call-up.