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D.C. United acquires Casey Townsend from Chivas USA for two bags of balls. Thanks, Chelis!

In a move that was a surprise even to United GM Dave Kasper, the Black-and-Red traded a second round pick in next year's MLS SuperDraft for the Maryland product, who was drafted 5th overall by Chivas USA last year. The striker becomes the latest beneficiary of the Goats' "Gringo Fire Sale" as they transition into an almost purely Mexican-American side.

Ned Dishman

I was hoping something like this would happen. With Chivas USA transparently trying to become nothing more or less than an all Mexican (or Mexican-American) MLS team, I really was hoping that Dave Kasper would reach into the Goats' back pocket and just fleece a little bit off the top. Today, that's just what happened, as D.C. United has announced that it traded a second-round 2014 SuperDraft pick for striker Casey Townsend.

Now, that name is going to sound really familiar around these parts. Townsend is a University of Maryland product and is third on the Terps' all time goals list. Many people in the B&RU community wanted him to fall to United at the seventh pick in last year's SuperDraft. Of course, Chivas took him fifth, and we were stuck with some Rookie of the Year finalist named Nick DeLeon. But now, effectively, the Black-and-Red have consolidated the fifth and seventh picks in last year's draft - for a second rounder in next year's. Tidy piece of business, Mr. Kasper.

At any rate, Townsend didn't set the world on fire for the Rojiblancos last year - not that anybody on that dreadful team did - scoring only one goal. You'd expect him to better that tally should he find significant minutes for Ben Olsen's stronger and more attack-minded squad.

For the West Coast response to the trade, check out the coverage at our sister blog The Goat Parade.

What are your thoughts on the trade? Think Townsend supplants Pajoy as the likely First Kick starter up top? You know where to let us know.