United Abroad: Alumni News & Notes for January 2014

United Abroad is back in 2014 giving you your monthly update on former DC United players. Here's what has happened since the ball dropped about a month ago:

Clyde Simms anounces his retirement | Instagram

Former DC United mid fielder Clyde Simms announced his retirement from soccer yesterday via his Instagram account. Simms is 31 years old and most recently played with the New England Revolution, whom he had played with during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Simms began his pro career in 2003, joining the now dissolved Cary Clarets of the USL Premier Development League. The following season he joined the Richmond Kickers and then the season after that he joined DC United. During his seven year stint in the black and red, Simms was a member of 2006 and 2007 Supporter Shield winning teams and the 2008 US Open Cup team. Simms appeared in 182 games during his career in the District, scoring three goals during his time there.

Long Tan on trial with the Sounders

According to Joshua Mayers of the Seattle Times, former DC United forward Long Tan is going to be on trial with the Seattle Sounders this pre-season. Tan was traded to DC during the Summer of 2012 in a deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps and went on to make 6 appearances (3 starts) in the black and red, scoring just a goal during his time in the District. Tan most recently played with Orlando City in USL Pro, scoring 5 goals in 25 appearances for the Lions in 2013.

DC United Academy product Andy Najar scores first league goal for Anderlecht | MLSsoccer.com [VIDEO]

In Anderlecht's 2-1 loss to KV Mechelen, Andy Najar scored his first league goal for the team during the first few minutes of play. Najar started at right wing for the club who acquired him almost a year ago.

Foot - Transfer - Nantes: Salihi will not come

Albanian striker Hamdi Salihi was scheduled to trial with FC Nantes of France's Ligue 1 yesterday, but according to L'Equipe.FR, Salihi elected not to show up to the trial. Seems a little odd that Salihi would pass up this opportunity, as he is still on the open market.

Savarese earns new title, Cosmos staff sign extensions - Empire of Soccer

The New York Cosmos announced staff changes and extensions recently, rewarding former DCU forward Alecko Eskandarian with a contract extension as an assistant coach with the club. The Cosmos won the 2013 NASL Soccer Bowl 1-0 over the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Gomito, Idol still playing for love

39 year old Christian Gomez still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He'll lace up the cleats again this year for another season with Nueva Chicago in Argentina's Primera B league. In the link attached, the former MLS MVP does a Q & A with Clarin.com (translation app needed).

Lionard Pajoy want to make sure as a striker in Equity | VAVEL.com

Yes, someone signed Lionard Pajoy. The often off sides forward has signed a contract with Colombian club La Equidad for the 2014 season. The article (linked above) opens the report of the Pajoy signing with,

(Translated using Google Translate)

"Lionard Pajoy is the new face on the front of attack..."

Oh, they just don't know yet.

No other news for Freddy Adu and other DCU alumni this month, but Dwayne De Rosario went to a Raptors game with Drake. So that's cool.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Got to also thank <a href="https://twitter.com/Drake">@Drake</a> for those tix at <a href="https://twitter.com/Raptors">@Raptors</a> game vs <a href="https://twitter.com/LAClippers">@LAClippers</a> what a game that was. Good looking out!</p>&mdash; Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) <a href="https://twitter.com/dwaynederosario/statuses/427665198993121280">January 27, 2014</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>