D.C. United Approval Ratings: Chris Pontius

We're spending the first month or so of the D.C. United offseason grading each player on the roster with an approval rating. A vote for APPROVE means you were satisfied with the player's performance and want to see him back in D.C. next season. A vote for DISAPPROVE means you want United to move on without him. There is no middle ground, so please leave salary and contract implications out of your decision.

Chris Pontius was leading the team in starts and minutes when he suffered a season-ending leg injury against Chivas USA. He also happened to be having his best game of the season. Pontius notched three assists in that game before having to exit in the 73rd minute. All three goals were scored by Charlie Davies, but none of the three could have happened without Pontius' contribution.

The midfielder had seven goals and five assists in 25 starts and 2,114 minutes in 2011. All were career highs. He was a vital part of United's attack this year, and will continue to be in the future. His speed and energy on the left wing caused problems for opposing defenses, while his shooting is among the most powerful and accurate on the team. Pontius made his return to the U.S. National Team camp in August, and barring any setbacks, he should be on track to return to United for training camp in February, and hopefully return to international duty shortly thereafter.

The answer to this poll isn't tough. Actually, the answers to the last few polls haven't been tough. That will change very soon though. Stay tuned and prepare your responses on Santino Quaranta, Conor Shanosky, and Clyde Simms for next week.