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MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Signs Chris Pontius to New Contract

September 14, 2012 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2012) - D.C. United announced today the club has signed midfielder/forward Chris Pontius to a new long-term contract. The 25-year old is the club's longest tenured player and is leading the team this year with ten goals in 24 games (19 starts). Per club and League policy, exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Media advisory: General Manager Dave Kasper, Head Coach Ben Olsen and Chris Pontius will be available after training today at RFK Stadium to comment on today's news. Contact Ryan Tronovitch for more information: 607-237-3865.

"We are thrilled to have agreed to terms with Chris on a new deal," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. "Whether playing at midfield or forward, Chris has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Major League Soccer. His best soccer is still to come and this is exciting for the club, our fans, and our community. We look forward to his contributions, on and off the field, for years to come."

"I'm obviously very happy today," said United midfielder/forward Chris Pontius. "D.C. has been very good to me - the organization, the fans, and the community - and I'm committed to bringing this team back to where it needs to be."

Pontius is enjoying his best season to date in Major League Soccer. He leads the Black-and-Red with 10 goals, which also puts him in the top fifteen across the League. During April, Pontius was unanimously selected by the North American Soccer Reporters as Player of the Week, making him the only player to be a two-time unanimous selection. Pontius has six game-winning goals - second most in MLS - and has helped lead D.C. United to a 12-10-5 record and sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

In mid-July, Pontius was selected to the 2012 MLS All-Star team for the first time and was a part of the team that defeated Chelsea FC (England) 3-2. Pontius earned the game's Most Valuable Player award after scoring the game-tying goal in the 73rd minute and assisting on Eddie Johnson's game-winner in the 91st.

D.C. United originally selected Pontius with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to play in 28 MLS matches (23 starts) during his rookie season, scoring four goals and assisting on three others before being named as a finalist for 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year. Over a four-year career with the Black-and-Red, Pontius has played in 94 games (80 starts) and collected 23 goals and 11 assists.

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