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When he was drafted third overall following D.C. United's previous Worst Season Evar, we all thought Perry Kitchen would be a center back. Well, that didn't work out too well for the then-18-year-old, and he spent most of his rookie year out at right fullback before transitioning to a defensive midfield role for his sophomore campaign. He locked that spot down in 2013, but moved back to his "original" position as he deputized in central defense late in the year due to a rash of injuries across United's roster.
He's worn the captain's armband and he improbably led the team in assists this year. He hasn't turned into the two-way player some fans wanted to see, but he has developed an innate ability to sense pressure before it comes and to hold onto the ball and find an outlet pass even when tightly double teamed. All this at the ripe old age of 21.
So, United fans, what do we think? Do we want him back at RFK Stadium in 2014, or should we cast him loose? If you think United would be better off with Kitchen on the roster, vote "Cake." If not, "or Death." Once you vote, of course, we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments.
More from Black And Red United:
- The Andy Award, for D.C. United's 2013 Rookie of the Year
- Cake or Death? What do we think of rookie left sider Taylor Kemp?
- D.C. United is in Honduras observing players at C.D.S. Vida
- 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs: Our Complete Coverage
- Cake or Death? Putting Jared Jeffrey under the microscope
- Filibuster Podcast Episode 55: He's Just Bad At Alchemy!