WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2012 - D.C. United and Dwayne De Rosario have finally come to turns. The 33-year old midfielder, who was named the MLS MVP in 2011, has signed a new contract with United.
De Rosario scored 16 goals and earned 11 assists last season playing at three different clubs. After stints with Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls, he recorded a stunning 13 goals and seven assists in 18 games (17 starts) at United.
As usual, the exact terms of the deal were not disclosed but reports say that he will be the club’s highest-paid player, which means he’ll be making more than Branko Boskovic who earned $525,000 last season.
“Dwayne proved last year that is he is the best player in Major League Soccer and we are pleased to have signed him to a deal that will see his stay in DC extended beyond 2012,” said D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper.
Despite his high salary, De Rosario will not be classified as a designated player but he’s not worried.
“It’s nice to be with an organization that has the same goals and ambitions as I,” said De Rosario. “D.C. United has a very rich history and one that we want to relive in the near future – hopefully we can start this year. It’s a great feeling to be associated with the United family.”
De Rosario, who joined United from the Red Bulls in June, also won the 2011 Golden Boot with his 16 league goals. He became the first player in United’s history to record two regular season hat tricks in the same season.
De Rosario began 2011 in Toronto, before being traded to the Red Bulls on April 1, where he scored twice and tagged fours assists.
Over an 11-year career, where he has played for San Jose, Houston, Toronto, New York and United, the Canadian has played in 274 games (228 stats), scored 93 goals, and tallied 63 assists. His 93 regular season goals are seventh most in MLS history.
De Rosario has to go down as one of the MLS’s greatest players. In addition to last season’s MVP and Golden Boot award, he has won four MLS Cups (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), two MLS Cup MVPs (2001, 2007), earned five All-Star nods (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) and, on six occasions, been named to the MLS Best XI squad (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011).
D.C. United’s 17th MLS season begins on Saturday, March 10 when D.C. United takes on Sporting Kansas at RFK Stadium at 7:30 pm.
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