MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Declines Options on Four Players

Published on December 2, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (December 2, 2010) - D.C. United announced today that the club will not exercise options on defenders Barry Rice and Juan Manuel Peña, as well as midfielders Brandon Barklage and Carlos Varela for the 2011 season.

Barry Rice came to D.C. United on March 26, 2010 following a strong career at the University of Kentucky. In his first professional season, the centerback appeared in two MLS matches and three U.S. Open Cup games. Rice made his professional debut on May 26 in an international friendly at RFK Stadium against AC Milan.

Juan Manuel Peña joined United prior to the 2010 season after a 14-year career in Spain's La Liga. A right quad injury limited Peña's involvement with the Black-and-Red, as the 37-year-old featured in ten League contests (9 starts), registering 700 minutes of play.

Brandon Barklage suffered a pair of unfortunate setbacks during his two seasons with D.C. United. The St. Louis University product was selected in the third round (36th overall) in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, and he began his MLS career in promising fashion. Unfortunately his season was cut short when he suffered an ACL tear in United's U.S. Open quarterfinal match with Harrisburg on July 7, 2009. Barklage suffered another ACL tear in the AC Milan friendly on May 26 during the 2010 campaign, ending his season after 205 minutes of League play.

Lastly, Carlos Varela was acquired by the Black-and-Red on September 14, 2010. The Spanish-born winger played in six matches (one start) for United, making his League debut at the Los Angeles Galaxy on September 18. Previously Varela enjoyed a 17-year tenure in the Swiss Super League with five teams.

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