WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that the team has signed veteran defender John Wilson. In order to acquire the 27-year old Wilson, D.C. United and San Jose have traded waiver draft slots for the 2005 season. The trade allows United to move into the current number one waiver slot, which belonged to San Jose. Because Wilson had previously spent time in MLS, he was made available to all teams. Thus, it was necessary for D.C. to move into the number one waiver slot in order to ensure his rights. San Jose, in return, receives the Black-and-Red's 2006 1st round supplemental draft pick.
"We are very pleased to be adding John to United," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He is an experienced defender and will provide important depth to our roster."
The 27-year old most recently played with the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the USL First Division and adds depth to a defense that recently lost Mike Petke to the Colorado Rapids. A native of Seneca, S.C., Wilson appeared in three games during the Kansas City Wizards 2000 MLS Cup Championship run. He scored his lone MLS goal during a one-time, 16-minute appearance with the New England Revolution in 2002.
In 2004 with the Rhinos, Wilson was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week on three separate occasions. He also previously spent four years (1999 & 2001-2004) with the USL's Charelston Battery. He helped lead the team to the championship in 2003 and was named to the All-League Team for his efforts. During his eight-year career in the USL First Division, which included a one-game stint with the Raleigh Capital Express, Wilson played 10892 minutes in 129 games. During that time, he collected one goal and six assists.
