WASHINGTON, February 15, 2013 — To fill the big void left behind by the departure of defender Andy Najar (now playing in Belgium), D.C. United has acquired right-sided defender James Riley from Chivas USA in exchange for a 2015 second round Supplemental Draft pick. Riley was a key starter at Chivas last season starting in 32 games. The 30-year- old will join United immediately. The club is in preseason training in Lake Mary, Fla., and competing in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando.
“We are excited to be adding a quality defender in James,” said D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper. “James has over 200 games played in MLS, and his experience will help solidify our backline.”
Riley, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native, was drafted by the New England Revolution in 2005 and appeared in 23 games (12 starts). Since then, Riley has played with the San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, and Chivas USA. He helped the Sounders FC win three consecutive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. In his eight-year MLS career, Riley scored two goals, and added 16 assists.
Riley grew up with his Korean mother after his parents were divorced when he was young.
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The Facts on James Riley
Name: James Riley
Height: 5-10
Weight: 150 lbs.
Position: Defender
Birthdate: October 27, 1982
Age: 30
Birthplace: Colorado Springs, CO
Previous Club: Chivas USA
Acquired: Acquired from Chivas USA on February 14, 2013 in exchange for a 2015 second round Supplement Draft pick.
Source: D.C. United
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.
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