D.C. United signs former Manchester City academy player Paul Clowes

The final roster for the start of the season is taking shape, as D.C. United announced today that they have signed second-round draft pick Paul Clowes. The ACC midfielder of the year captained Clemson's run to the College Cup final, where they lost to Jordan Morris' Stanford. A two-way midfielder in college, he looks to provide depth in central midfield, along with fellow draft pick Julian Buescher.

Clowes came to Clemson after playing in the Manchester City Academy, getting time with them and with the Manchester City Reserve team. Taking a move that is becoming more and more common for young players from foreign academies, he decided to come to the United States on a soccer scholarship; he has turned that move into an MLS contract.

Clowes gives D.C. United some much needed depth and youth behind Markus Halsti and Marcelo Sarvas and should be able to continue his development with the Richmond Kickers. The Kickers often play with two defensive midfielders, so hopefully Clowes can slot right into one of those spots and get time immediately.

He is the first second-round pick to make the team since Chris Korb was drafted in 2011, and the first pick outside of the first round to make the team since Lance Rozeboom was drafted in the fourth round in 2012.