MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Acquires Burn Striker Ronald Cerritos

Published on August 19, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (August 19, 2003) - D.C. United announced today the acquisition of 28-year-old forward Ronald Cerritos and salary budget considerations from the Dallas Burn in exchange for Ali Curtis and United's first and sixth round selections in the 2004 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Cerritos is expected to join the club immediately and be available for selection in this Sunday's match against the San Jose Earthquakes. In addition, to accommodate the late possible transfer of Bobby Convey, the MLS Competition Committee has extended D.C. United's Discovery Deadline to Friday, September 12th.

"We are extremely pleased to have Ronald as a member of D.C. United," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He is a dangerous forward who has proven that he can both create and score goals in MLS. We look forward to having him on our side for our next match.

Cerritos, who is in his seventh year in MLS, adds experience and a deft scoring touch to the Black-and-Red line-up. The Salvadoran's first fives seasons were spent with the San Jose Earthquakes, where he totaled 55 goals and 38 assists. In 2002, he joined the Burn and netted four goals and added six assists. This season, Cerritos has hit the net three times and added one assist. His final stats with Dallas total seven goals and seven assists, bringing his career totals to 62 goals, 45 assists and 169 points.

A three-time MLS All-Star, Cerritos represented the Western Conference in 1997, 1999 and 2001. He scored a goal in the 1999 game and assisted in each of his three appearances. Cerritos holds a Green Card and will not fill the Senior International spot that was vacated earlier this season when Hristo Stoitchkov received his Green Card from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Cerritos began his professional career with ADET in El Salvador's First Division prior to joining San Jose in 1997. He has made 45 international appearances and scored four goals for El Salvador's national team. Cerritos made his international debut against Yugoslavia on November 12, 1995.

"Ronald Cerritos has always impressed me as a high quality and hard working striker who can finish chances and also create them," said United Head Coach Ray Hudson. "He is one of MLS' leading scorers, has a bright personality and is a real honest competitor.

Curtis leaves D.C. United midway through his second season with the Black-and-Red. He entered MLS as the second overall pick in the 2001 SuperDraft when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Mutiny. In 2002, United acquired the forward from Dallas in exchange for a third round pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft. Curtis scored five goals for United in 2002 (tied for team league with Bobby Convey) and added one assist. This season, Curtis appeared in 17 matches, including 12 as a starter. His one goal and four assists bring his career totals to eight goals, six assists, and 24 points.

"Ali has proven to be a valuable contributor to D.C. United in his two seasons with the club and his great athleticism and personality has produced some memorable excitement," added Hudson. "He is a first class individual and it's been a pleasure to be a part of his development, which I hope will continue with his new club.

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Major League Soccer Stories from August 19, 2003


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