D.C. United announced today the club has acquired the playing rights to Mike Zaher from Toronto FC in exchange for a first round selection in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft. Zaher is currently training with the club in an attempt to catch on with the four-time MLS Cup Champions. Toronto FC selected him in the third round (30th overall) of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft.
The Arizona native starred in all four season with the UCLA Bruins (2004-2007). Zaher scored his first career goal in his sophomore season (2005) in a 4-0 win at LMU. The defender exploded on the field the following year, receiving first-team All-Pac-10 and third-team NSCAA All-Far West selection. He was also named UCLA's defensive MVP, and scored four goals and three assists on the year. He served as the team's co-captain, and started in all 21 games for the Bruins, playing all but two minutes. Zaher was also a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award, honoring seniors who excel both on and off the field.
After high school, Zaher joined the San Fernando Valley Quakes, of the USL Premier Development League. He played in 21 games for the Quakes, scoring one goal and adding three assists.
