WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that the club has re- signed veteran defender Mike Petke. Per League and team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement to keep Mike with D.C. United," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He has been a key player for this club and we will look to his veteran leadership for this season and beyond."
Petke served as a staple in D.C. United's defense during the 2004 season, making 24 solid appearances for the MLS Cup Champions. Petke's strong defensive play led the 2004 team into the record books with one of the lowest goals against averages in the clubs' decorated history. His lone offensive spark this season came when the Red-and-Black needed him most, a game winner off a Freddy Adu corner that gave D.C. United home field advantage against the MetroStars in the first round of the playoffs, a series they won convincingly, 4-0.
Selected in the first round (8th overall) of the 1998 MLS College Draft, the Southern Connecticut State University product spent his first five professional seasons with the MetroStars. As a member of United's Atlantic Cup rival, Petke was a three-time MLS All-Star selection (2000, 2001 and 2002). A trade in December 2002 with the MetroStars brought the 28-year-old defender to the Nation's Capital.
