WASHINGTON, D.C. February 27, 2013 — D.C. United has officially parted ways with Designated Player Hamdi Salihi and midfielder Lance Rozeboom. Before joining United, Salihi notched 36 goals in 67 games with Rapid Vienna in Austria. A typical box striker, Salihi never found the back of the net enough at United, scoring six goals in 22 games. It could be argued that United coach Ben Olsen never gave him enough starts.
The Albanian has now been signed by Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Sainty. On Tuesday, he scored his first goal in his debut for Jiangsu, in a 5–1 away defeat against K League champions FC Seoul.
“I would like to thank both Hamdi and Lance for their time with the club and we wish them all the best in the future,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.
Salihi, who joined the club for the 2012 season appeared in 22 games with only 10 starts. Rozeboom, who was selected in the second round of 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, did not make any appearances for the club following an ACL tear and reconstruction early in the season.
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 or email jhaydon@washingtontimes.com
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