D.C. United Player of the Month for June 2013

June was, without a doubt - and as sad as it may be - D.C. United's most successful month so far in 2013. Not having a losing record (3W-1D-3L in all competitions) and securing a positive goal differential (8 GF, 7 GA, +1) were enough to secure that dubious distinction, even if two of the three wins and 75% of the goals were outside of league competition. The month saw United earn a berth in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals, as well as the first league win since March. So who gets the small honor of being named the team's Player of the Month, joining the likes of Kyle Porter (May), Perry Kitchen (April) and Bill Hamid (March)? The nominees are:

Dwayne De Rosario: United's captain finally looked something like his former self for stretches last month. A hat trick against Philadelphia in the Open Cup round of 16, followed by a league goal and another one in the USOC quarterfinals against New England enlivened the 35-year-old Canadian, and he looked more active and aggressive in league play.

John Thorrington: We talked about it on Filibuster, and there's a strong argument that Thorrington is United's most vital player. Slotting next to Perry Kitchen, he pops up all over the field, forcing turnovers and winning recoveries while also pushing the tempo in transition and helping to maintain positive possession. He also seems to force a spectacular save every single game - eventually, you have to think, one of his shots will catch a 'keeper napping.

Ethan White: After the awful year that United's defenders have had so far, mere competence by a center back might have been enough to earn a nomination, but White gave us a little bit more than that: hope. His growth from little-used sub spending stretches of the year on-loan last season to the team's best, most consistent defender today is one of the bright spots of an otherwise dismal league campaign. His passing might be the most exciting element, as his long balls seem to find their targets more often than certain other center backs on the D.C. roster.

The Supporters: Seriously, y'all keep bringing it, no matter what the headline attendance number may be. The volume coming from the loud side is still there, and the north end supporters (La Norte and the District Ultras) are managing to call out the management with their ticket price and "Bad Weather Fans" tifos. They migrate up I-270 to make little Boyds, Md. an impenetrable fortress for Open Cup purposes. Even if they haven't carried a particular month, there's little question the 12th Man has been United's MVP for the year.

There are this month's options - vote in the poll and let us know in the comments how you voted.