WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that it has completed a trade with the Colorado Rapids for midfielder Chris Henderson. Agreed to on Saturday, the trade sent Mike Petke to the Rapids for Henderson. United is awaiting the finalization of a trade to send Henderson to a third team for an allocation.
"We are working to fill a very specific need in our team and our hope is that by acquiring an allocation, we will be able to accomplish that," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne, "It was a very difficult decision to part with Mike Petke. Mike has been an outstanding member of our team and, in addition, a first class individual. We will miss him at D.C. United, but wish him all of the best with the Colorado Rapids."
Petke departs D.C. after two full seasons with the Black-and-Red. A seven year veteran of MLS, Petke spent the first five years of his career with the MetroStars where he was a two-time all-star (2000 & 2001). During his time with United, Petke started 55 of the 58 games he saw time in, while notching five goals. The 29-year old was an integral part of United's 2004 MLS Cup Championship team, as he started and played the full 90 minutes of every playoff game.
Chris Henderson will join his fourth MLS team, after spells with the Rapids (1996-98, 2002-2005), the Kansas City Wizards (1999 & 2000) and the Miami Fusion (2001). The 34-year old midfielder has 46 career goals and 76 career assists.
