
D.C. United Announce Year-End Roster Moves for 2016 Season
Published on December 7, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release
WASHINGTON - D.C. United have announced the year-end roster moves for the 2016 season, exercising the options of the team's Designated Player Fabián EspÃndola, defenders Sean Franklin and Steven Birnbaum along with seven others.
EspÃndola, 30, led the team in assists (7) while playing in limited games in 2015 due to injury and suspension. The Argentine attacker has proven to be a dangerous goal threat as well as playmaker in his two years in Washington, scoring 16 goals and adding 16 assists.
Birnbaum, a Rookie of the Year finalist in 2014, started 21 matches in each of his first two MLS seasons, and developed a strong centerback partnership with both Bobby Boswell and Kofi Opare.
Franklin, an eight-year MLS veteran, provided stability at right full back, playing at least 2,000 minutes each of his last two seasons.
United also exercised the 2016 options of Taylor Kemp, Chris Korb, Conor Doyle, Luke Mishu, Travis Worra, Miguel Aguilar and Jared Jeffrey.
The 2016 options of Jairo Arrieta and Michael Farfan were declined, and both players are eligible for the Re-Entry Draft. Argentine Facundo Coria was waived.
Andrew Dykstra and Perry Kitchen are both of out of contract. The club is currently in contract negotiations with both players.
Major League Soccer Stories from December 7, 2015
- Timbers to Host Championship Parade Downtown Tuesday at Noon, Celebration Rally at 6 p.m. - Portland Timbers
- Timbers Re-Sign Jewsbury, Exercise Options on Four Players - Portland Timbers
- MLS Announces Players Eligible for Free Agency and 2015 Re-Entry Draft - MLS
- Union Acquire First Round Pick, Allocation Money from Houston - Philadelphia Union
- Houston Dynamo Acquire Cristian Maidana, Andrew Wenger from Philadelphia Union - Houston Dynamo FC
- Impact Exercises 2016 Options on 10 Players - Club de Foot Montreal
- Core of Eastern Conference Champion Columbus Crew SC Roster to Return in 2016 - Columbus Crew SC
- D.C. United Announce Additional Roster Moves - D.C. United
- Sounders FC Receives Allocation Money in Neagle Trade with D.C. - Seattle Sounders FC
- Philadelphia Union Acquire Chris Pontius from D.C. United - Philadelphia Union
- D.C. United Announce Year-End Roster Moves for 2016 Season - D.C. United
- FC Dallas Announces 2015 Team Awards - FC Dallas
- adidas and Major League Soccer Unveil New Official Match Ball for 2016 Season - MLS
- Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report - OSC Original by Dan Krieger
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