Washington, D.C. - D.C. United today announced the club has traded midfielder Freddy Adu and the rights to goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake. In return, United receive a major allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations, including a share of any future replacement allocation money attributed to Adu, should he be transferred. Adu joins Salt Lake after three full seasons in D.C., while Rimando departs after five.
"This was a difficult decision for all of us at D.C. United," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years. We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake. We wish him nothing but the best."
"This trade was important for us in acquiring a major allocation," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "We have identified several players who we believe can improve our team for the 2007 season and beyond. In the end, we felt that this is the best move for Freddy's future and at the same time allows D.C. United the ability to sign new players. We thank Freddy for his contributions and wish him good luck as he begins a new phase in his career."
"We would like to thank Nick for his five years at D.C.," said Kasper. "He was a huge contributor both on and off the field, particularly during our 2004 MLS Cup championship season, and we wish him the best of luck at his new club."
"It is never easy to part with players, especially one like Freddy," said United head coach Peter Nowak. "Freddy desired to play a different role than the one we offered here at D.C., so we hope this move can aid that wish. I believe Freddy greatly improved his play and knowledge of the game during his three years in D.C. and hope this move to Salt Lake further helps him as a player. We all wish him nothing but the best."
"Nick was a great veteran and was an important part of our 2004 MLS Cup win," said Nowak. "We wish him the best as he begins his time in Salt Lake."
Adu departs D.C. after three full seasons with the Black-and-Red. The midfielder notched 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances. He was twice named an MLS All-Star (2006 & 2004 as a Commissioner's Pick) and helped D.C. capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season. He has been a mainstay with the U.S. Youth National Teams and became the youngest player to earn a cap as a member of the full Men's National Team on January 22 against Canada. His 17 career assists place him tied for eighth all-time in United history.
Rimando made just two League appearances for the Black-and-Red in 2006, but departs as the club's all-time leader in wins (41), shutouts (29), saves (355), save percentage (72.2 %) and goals-against-average (1.22). The 27-year old was named as the Decade's Best XI goalkeeper by fans at the beginning of 2006.
Nolly joins United after spending two seasons with Real Salt Lake. The 24-year old goalkeeper made seven total appearances (six starts) over two years, while serving as the primary backup to Scott Garlick. The 6-foot, 3-inch netminder was originally selected by Salt Lake in the second round (22nd pick overall) of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft after a highly successful career at Indiana University where he helped the Hoosiers to back-to-back NCAA Championships (2003 & 2004).
