It had been known for awhile now that D.C. United was going to hold off on signing new players until the CBA was done and a better idea on the salary cap was available. Now with both matters resolved, the club has announced the signing of fullback Luke Mishu, formerly of Notre Dame, and who began trialing with the team during the Austin phase of training camp. More information about Mishu at the time can be found here.
The team had eyes on two other defenders during camp, notably former Portland Timber Rawshaun McKenzie and former Saprissa player Alexander Robinson, the latter of whom made the trip to Costa Rica for the first leg of CONCACAF Champions League play against L.D. Alajuelense and even said that he received support from coach Ben Olsen and general manager Dave Kasper, hinting that the CBA was preventing him from signing a deal. Whether the team signs both, either or neither (favoring a different option altogether) remains to be seen.
In the short term, with Taylor Kemp unlikely to play Saturday (per Goff) due to a groin strain suffered in warm-ups from the second leg Wednesday, Mishu's presence on the outside is welcome, though it also presumably means that homegrown product Jalen Robinson would almost certainly be sent to the Richmond Kickers for the balance of the year.
Mishu's signing puts D.C. United at 27 contracts, with the CBA (per Brian Straus) having rosters at 28, here's hoping they choose wisely.