D.C. United announced two moves on Monday morning, and while neither involved a player coming into the team, both might help make room for a new signing. Firstly, in a move that was expected, the Black-and-Red announced that they waived Costa Rica forward Jose Ortiz. Ortiz was brought in during the winter on loan from Costa Rican club Herediano, but he never really caught on with United.
He appeared in 16 of the team’s first 19 games, starting seven games, but contributed just one goal in league play, to go along with zero assists. The goal came all the way back on April 1st, when United beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1. He also added a goal in the Open Cup last month, when the Black-and-Red fell 2-1 to the New England Revolution.
But last week, head coach Ben Olsen said that Ortiz wasn’t going to figure in the match day roster going forward, facilitating his release. Ortiz occupied a senior roster spot and an international spot, both of which have opened up with his departure.
Additionally, United traded away a 2017 international spot for $50,000 in general allocation money to Columbus Crew SC. That transaction was unrelated to the move to waive Ortiz, but might also be an indication of what United needed to complete another move or two during this secondary transfer window.
United’s press release said they have two international spots remaining for the 2017 season, though, B&RU believes that there is just one spot remaining for this year. We have reached out to the club for clarification.