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As the shovels continue to dig at D.C. United’s new home at Buzzard Point, the front office stirred some dust of their own. In about a week, United publically announced the transfer of winger Lamar Neagle to Seattle for a late round draft pick, veteran defender Bobby Boswell to Atlanta United for a late round draft pick and the acquisition of not one, but four new players.
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As the last place team in Major League Soccer, United (5-14-4) was under pressure to perform on the field and in the Secondary Transfer Window that ran from July 10 to August 9. The marquee signings included Bolivian forward Bruno Miranda, Hungarian midfielder Zoltán Stieber and two young Americans in Russell Canouse and Paul Arriola. Arriola, who most recently spent time with the United States men’s national team during its winning Gold Cup run, cost United’s its biggest transfer fee in club history.
“This is a very strategic investment — all along, this was the type of investment the club wanted to make,” United’s general manager Dave Kasper said. “We’re very pleased that we got it over the line thanks to Tijuana and Paul’s agent, and we’re very pleased with the result.”
Without their signings, United was able to tie league-leading Toronto last weekend in a 1-1 draw that included an own goal from defender Steven Birnbaum. United remains 13 points below the playoff line with less than 15 regular season games left.
United will show off some of their new signings Saturday when they host Real Salt Lake 7 p.m. at RFK Stadium. Three of the four United acquisitions will be available for Saturday’s match and the new young designated player Arriola is likely to get his first start in MLS. Despite the fact that many fans are already look to the club’s future at their new Audi Field home, United is confident they can still make the most of the season they have left.
“This is an injection of new blood and talent at the right age who are hungry and represent what myself, Dave [Kasper], and the owners want out of players,” Coach Ben Olsen said Thursday, “We’ll get back to business and prepare. It gives everybody around here a jolt of energy, which is good, especially the way the season has gone. Hopefully, we can build off that energy and last weekend’s result and performance. As quickly in this league as you can spiral down, you can float forward. We’ve seen it year after year. I’ve been in this league too long to not think that we can make a run at this. ”
See a complete list of details on United’s newest signings below.
Bruno Miranda
Position: Forward
Age: 19
Previous Club: Club Universidad de Chile (Chile)
Status: International
Transaction: United acquire Bruno Miranda on loan through 2018 with an option for a permanent transfer from Club Universidad de Chile. Completion of the transfer is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
Zoltán Stieber
Position: Midfielder
Age: 28
Previous Club: 1. FC Kaiserslautern (2. Bundesliga)
Status: International
Transaction: United acquire Hungarian midfielder Zoltán Stieber from 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Germany on a permanent transfer. Completion of the transfer is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
Russell Canouse
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Previous Club: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Bundesliga) — On loan at Vfl Bochum
Status: Domestic
Transaction: United acquire American midfielder Russell Canouse from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on a permanent transfer and signed him to a multi-year deal. Completion of the transfer is pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
Paul Arriola
Position: Midfielder
Caps: 11 (2 goals)
Age: 22
Previous Club: Club Tijuana (Liga MX)
Status: Young Designated Player
Transaction: United acquired Arriola’s rights from the LA Galaxy in exchange for $300,000 in general allocation money ($200,000 in 2018 and $100,000 in 2019) and $200,000 in targeted allocation money in 2018.
Transaction: United acquire U.S. international Paul Arriola from Club Tijuana on a permanent transfer and signed the 22-year-old to multi-year Young Designated Player contract. Completion of the transfer is pending the receipt of the International Transfer Certificate.
