WASHINGTON, August 9, 2012 - D.C. United has bolstered its backline by acquiring defender Mike Chabala from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a natural first round selection in the 2014 MLS Supplemental Draft. The 28-year old will train with the United team for the first time tomorrow.
“We’re excited to add Mike to our roster today,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “Mike is an experienced MLS defender who will immediately upgrade our depth at the left back position.”
Chabala made nine appearances (six starts) with the Timbers this season. The defender has logged a total of 657 minutes and helped the Timbers to a 3-4-2 record when in the lineup. He was acquired by Portland from the Houston Dynamo midway through the 2011 season and went on to start 13 of 14 matches for the Timbers, notching a goal and two assists.
In his MLS career, the defender has played in 70 MLS matches (55) starts. At Houston, Chabala was a teammate of current United players Dwayne De Rosario and Danny Cruz.
In other United news: Midfielder Kurt Morsink has announced his retirement from professional soccer. He will remain with D.C. United and as the club’s scouting coordinator.
“We’re very pleased to be able to bring on Kurt as a scouting coordinator,” said Kasper. “Kurt has been a great locker room guy for us and brings a unique background to the role, having grown up in Central America and attended college in the states.”
Morsink finishes his professional career after six seasons in MLS. He spent three seasons in Kansas City, before being acquired D.C. United prior to the 2010 campaign. In his MLS career he logged 69 League matches (45 starts), registering three assists.
* For over 20 years John Haydon wrote a weekly soccer column for The Washington Times. He has covered two World Cups and written about Major League Soccer from the league’s inception in 1996.
Follow John on Twitter at @Johnahaydon
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