Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the club has signed forward Mira Mupier to a developmental contract. Mupier was originally discovered during United's invite-only combine for college players and free agents in January. He was offered a contract after being invited back for a trial last week. Mupier is available for selection in United's next match, scheduled for Saturday, June 23 against Real Salt Lake.
"We are pleased to add Mira to our developmental roster," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He had a good showing during his trial last week and he deserves an opportunity to prove himself at this level."
Mupier attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he was a four-year letter winner for the Charlotte 49ers. He earned Conference USA all-freshmen team honors in 2001 after leading the team in scoring with nine goals and five assists. In 2002, he earned second-team All-Conference USA honors after leading the team with eight goals. In 2003, he earned second-team All-Conference USA honors after finishing the season tied for the team-lead with six goals. As a senior in 2004, he finished tied for second on the team with five goals. He finished his career with 28 goals, which is tied for the eighth most in school history, and 10 game-winning goals. He ranks 11th in the program's all-time points list with 66 career points.
Since graduating from Charlotte, he has played for Ajax USA of Orlando, where he earned Premier Development League "Team of the Week" honors six times. He led the team in scoring with 15 goals in only 12 matches during the 2004 season. Mupier was also recently a member of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds of United Soccer League. During the 2005 season, he played in 11 games, notching a goal and an assist.
