The first rounds of cuts have been made in the 2016 preseason, with D.C. United letting six players go to bring down the roster to 31 players. Fourth-round draft pick Liam Doyle was the first draft pick to be released from camp, and he was joined by trialists Kevan George, Santiago Dittborn, Paulo Tornaghi, Ariel Rodriguez, and Brayan Garcia.
Liam Doyle was the only slightly surprising cut, as he got plenty of time on the field in the first two games; however, with the log-jam ahead of him (and the good play of Jalen Robinson), there just didn't look to be a spot for him on the team.
The fact that they didn't get any time in the second game was fairly telling for George, Dittborn, and Tornaghi, so their releases don't come as much of a shock. Brayan Garcia was pretty bad when he got on the field, so his release was likely coming sooner rather than later.
Some trialists do remain, including the surprisingly still in camp Konstantine Kolokotronis and Andrea Mancini, neither of whom has gotten any minutes yet. The cuts of George and Rodriguez bode well for second-round draft pick Paul Clowes, who has at least beaten them out. Rob Vincent from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds also remains, and has looked solid in his game time so far. Chris Konopka looks to be the odds on favorite to be the competition for Andrew Dykstra early this season, and former DCU academy player Paul Torres remains as well.
As the roster stands now, United would need to make three cuts to get down to the 28 player limit; however, that doesn't take into account possible overseas signings or the possible retirement of Davy Arnaud. Also, United will likely place Bill Hamid on injured reserve, which would also free up his roster spot until he is ready to return.
The second stage of the preseason starts February 11, when the team returns to Florida and will play friendlies against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Philadelphia Union, and Montreal Impact.