MLS D.C. United

D.C. United makes roster moves

Published on July 31, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (July 31, 2008) - D.C. United today announced midfielder Craig Thompson has been promoted to a senior developmental contract while defender Mike Zaher has moved to a developmental contract. Since being signed on June 30, Thompson has appeared in all six matches D.C. United has played in all competitions and earned an assist in the Black-and-Red's SuperLiga loss to Atlante on July 15. Zaher made his first team debut on July 23, in a match against Houston, where he played 15 minutes.

D.C. United acquired midfielder Craig Thompson from the Houston Dynamo in exchange for a fourth round natural selection in the 2010 supplemental draft. Thompson joined United having been drafted by Houston in the second round (28th overall selection) of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft. The 22-year old midfielder from Littleton, Colo. garnered NSCAA/adidas First Team All-Midwest Region honors and was named Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Player of the Year and Academic Player of the Year following his senior season last fall at the Colorado School of Mines. He led the Orediggers and established a new individual single-season program record with 18 goals in 2007. Thompson, who also led Mines in assists (tied - five) and game-winning goals (four) last fall, tied CSM's individual single-season program record for total points (41) during his final season in an Oredigger uniform.

Zaher was acquired from Toronto FC on April 17, 2008 in exchange for a first round selection in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft. The defender was originally selected by Toronto in the third round (30th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. The Arizona native starred in all four season with the UCLA Bruins (2004-2007). Zaher scored his first career goal in his sophomore season (2005) in a 4-0 win at LMU. The defender exploded on the field the following year, receiving first-team All-Pac-10 and third-team NSCAA All-Far West selection. He was also named UCLA's defensive MVP, and scored four goals and three assists on the year. He served as the team's co-captain, and started in all 21 games for the Bruins, playing all but two minutes. Zaher was also a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award, honoring seniors who excel both on and off the field.

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