MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Signs Mike Zaher, Jeff Curtin

Published on April 17, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


WASHINGTON, DC - D.C. United announced today the club has signed a pair of defenders - Jeff Curtin and Mike Zaher, both to developmental contracts. Curtin was obtained in the March 4 MLS Waiver Draft, while Zaher was acquired from Toronto FC on April 3 in exchange for a first round selection in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft. Per team and MLS policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Zaher was originally selected by Toronto FC 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. After high school, Zaher joined the San Fernando Valley Quakes, of the USL Premier Development League. He played in 21 games for the Quakes, scoring one goal and adding three assists.

Curtin joins United after his rights were acquired via the MLS Waiver Draft on March 4. The 24-year old was originally drafted by the Fire in the 2nd round (14th overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. He did not see first-team minutes in his rookie season due to a pair of injuries and was limited to the Fire's Reserve Division side. Curtin was placed on the season-ending injury list in September 2006 after suffering a right abductor strain and ensuing surgery for athletic Pubalgia. He started in his two appearances for the Fire Reserves, logging 119 minutes in central defense. In 2007, Curtin made his way to the first team, netting a goal in 248 minutes of play. He also logged 299 minutes for the reserve squad in 2007. He started for each of the four years he played at Georgetown University. Curtin ended his collegiate career with 12 goals and seven assists in 73 matches for the Hoyas, and earned All-Big East Second Team honors for four consecutive seasons (2002-05).

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