Having begun so auspiciously last March, Josh Wicks’ tenure with D.C. United ended quietly on Friday as the club released him before he’d spent a day with the squad this season.
The former LA Galaxy goalkeeper was brought in during the 2009 preseason as cover for injured starter Louis Crayton, but Wicks impressed the coaching staff enough to earn the No. 1 job and went on to become the team’s most-used netminder during a campaign plagued by high turnover in the nets.
“We would like to thank Josh for his contributions to D.C. United and wish him the best of luck in the future,” said United general manager Dave Kasper in a press release.
Wicks brought commanding size and nimble shot-stopping skills to the D.C. goal and, with the back line often in flux, he was called into action regularly, facing 104 shots in 19 starts and making 78 saves.
But his judgment and maturity deserted him on occasion, most notably when he was sent off in the U.S. Open Cup final at RFK Stadium for stomping on Seattle striker Fredy Montero. The Sounders went on to win the match and claim the trophy on United’s home field.
Nonetheless, United’s late charge for a playoff berth took a major hit when Wicks sustained a double injury against San Jose last September, with knee and shoulder damage sentencing him to surgery and six months of recovery.
At the close of a disappointing campaign for the club, United moved on and Wicks became peripheral to United’s plans once Troy Perkins returned from Europe and rejoined the Black-and-Red in January.
Wicks spent most of 2010 rehabbing in his native California and logged little to no time with Curt Onalfo’s squad this season, though he previously played for USL-1’s Portland Timbers. Rumors suggest he may seek a return to the second division once he returns to fitness.
