It was a busy Thursday for the local soccer teams, and Friday will likely be much of the same, with D.C. United holding the 14th pick in the MLS SuperDraft, which kicks off at 1 pm. Jason Anderson, fresh off of covering the busy NWSL Draft, is still in Chicago to bring any news of what the Black-and-Red might do during their draft.
Washington Spirit trade three players to land the third pick in the 2019 NWSL Draft - Black and Red United: The Spirit came into the draft with 3 of the 9 first round picks, but picked up one more before the start of the festivities. In exchange for the 3rd pick, the Spirit sent Estelle Johnson, Caprice Dydasco, and DiDi Haracic to Sky Blue FC. With that pick, Washington selected Jordan DiBiasi from Stanford. Next on the clock was the Spirit once again, and this time, they selected Clemson defender Samantha Stabb. The Spirit used the 7th pick, which they got in a trade on Wednesday, to pick up DiBiasi’s college teammate, Tegan McGrady. The Spirit also owned the 8th overall pick, and went with UNC’s Dorian Bailey, rounding out a busy first round.
The Spirit weren’t quite done wheeling and dealing, executing a trade with the Portland Thorns which saw Washington move up from the 4th round to the second round. With the 17th overall pick, Washington selected Wake Forest’s Bayley Feist, with their final pick of the day. For a list of all the other picks in the four rounds, click here.
D.C. United will not discipline Wayne Rooney after arrest - Washington Post: This probably shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Rooney’s arrest at Dulles Airport was more of an embarrassing moment than a criminal act, and the team is treating it as such. Presumably, everyone will move on from this swiftly, and without much fuss.
After successful 2018 season, Canouse aims to seal USMNT spot in January - ASN: Brian Sciaretta checks in with DCU’s beloved Russ at USMNT camp. Canouse, who will be entering his second full season with the club, is looking to earn his first senior cap with the national team, after impressing during the second half of the 2018 MLS season. Just be careful with him, Gregg. Last year, Canouse got injured at the January camp, and missed the first half of the MLS season.
Also, looks like Canouse might have a new teammate to meet when he gets back to the club:
As expected, D.C. United has signed @Bustamante__10 from @WMTribeMSoccer to a homegrown contract. Final details were completed yesterday. He is, in essence, the first player for @LoudounUnitedFC. #dcu #mls #usl
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) January 10, 2019
EXCLUSIVE: Loudoun United stadium won’t be ready for 1st home games - WTOP: Speaking of Loudoun, this is of no surprise. When last January’s meeting with the Loudoun County board didn’t yield immediate results, having the stadium and practice facility done on time seemed a stretch. There’s still no word on where Loudoun will play, considering they start their home games in May. Audi Field seems a safe bet though, with only one game directly interfering with D.C. United.
Otherwise, happy draft day to the Black-and-Red loyal. What do you want to see the team do with the draft this year? Any players pique your interest? And stay warm out there.