WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the acquisition of Rod Dyachenko from Toronto FC in exchange for United's first round selection in the 2008 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Toronto FC had previously claimed the midfielder from the Black-and-Red in the 2006 Major League Soccer Expansion Draft. Dyachenko will join D.C. United this weekend and begin training with the four-time MLS Cup Champions on Monday in Bradenton, FL in advance of this month's CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
"We're excited at the opportunity to see Rod continue his MLS career with D.C. United," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He made great strides at the end of last year and, since his selection in the expansion draft, we've gone to great lengths to re-acquire him. He certainly knows how we play and we look forward to seeing Rod become an impact player for us this season."
In his rookie season with D.C. United, Dyachenko quickly worked his way into the lineup. The quick-footed midfielder saw time in nine matches (four starts), and also appeared in two of the Black-and-Red's post-season matches. A versatile and talented young player with great potential, Dyachenko was also a key member of the D.C. reserve team as well, appearing in all 12 of the team's matches and leading all Reserve Division players with five assists. He was originally selected in the third round (31st overall) of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft.
"Kevin Payne, Dave and Tom Soehn have actively sought to re-acquire Rod since November," said United Co-managing Partner Will Chang. "With this trade, we have brought back a very good young player that we know can succeed within our system."
