WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the team has signed 19-year-old midfielder Kasali Yinka Casal to a senior contract, joining the club from England's Fulham FC where he was a key player in the reserve team. Per League policy, terms of the deal were not released.
"Kasali is a talented young player that we are excited to work extensively with throughout his development," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He has excellent attacking qualities and superb pace. We are pleased that he has decided to continue his professional career on this side of the pond and we look forward to watching him grow within our system."
Casal, who has dual citizenship with the United Kingdom and Nigeria, will join United as one of three allotted Youth International players. Casal was considered to be one of the hot prospects emerging from Fulham's youth system and was a top goal-scorer for their reserve team during the 2005-2006 season. Following his scoring streak that season, Casal was chosen to represent Nigeria in U-20 African Youth Championship Qualifying.
Casal has been training with the four-time MLS Cup champions since arriving in the United States last month and is available for selection by United Head Coach Tom Soehn in tomorrow night's CONCACAF Champions' Cup clash with CD Guadalajara. Kick-off for the first leg of the semifinal match-up is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
