MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Acquire Chris Pontius from D.C. United

Published on December 7, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union have acquired midfielder Chris Pontius from D.C. United in exchange for both General and Targeted Allocation Money, the club announced today. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We believe Chris is an excellent addition to our first team and organization," Union technical director Chris Albright said. "His ability, experience and winning mentality will help lead our club in the right direction in 2016."

Pontius, 28, joined MLS in 2009 from University of California, Santa Barbara as the No. 7 overall draft pick. D.C. United's longest-tenured player, Pontius scored 31 goals and had 17 assists during his seven seasons with D.C. United. He won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2013, and also helped lead United to the Eastern Conference regular season championship in 2014 and the top seed in CONCACAF Champions League in 2014-15. He's also played in six career MLS postseason games. Among his accolades, he was named to the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Best XI in 2012, where he recorded a career-high 12 goals and added four assists. During the 2015 season, Pontius appeared in 23 games and started 17, notching three goals.

Starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, eligible free agents may engage in negotiations with MLS clubs. On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the MLS Waiver Draft will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will consist of players who have been waived by their clubs and are not eligible for Re-Entry or Free Agency. And on Friday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m., Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft will begin at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

1 p.m., Free Agents may engage in negotiations

Wednesday, Dec. 9

4:30 p.m., Waiver Draft begins

Friday, Dec. 11

3 p.m., Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft begins

Thursday, Dec. 17

3 p.m., Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft begins

Name: Chris Pontius

Position: Midfielder

Nationality: USA

Birth Date: May 12, 1987

Birthplace: Yorba Linda, Calif.

Height: 6-0

Transaction: Union acquire Chris Pontius in a trade with D.C. United in exchange for allocation money on Dec. 7, 2015.

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