D.C. United announced today the club has signed defender Brandon McDonald to a new contract. Since being acquired from the San Jose Earthquakes for allocation money on June 27, the central defender has become a crucial part of United’s defensive success. McDonald has played in nine matches since joining United, starting each of those contests. In that span, the 25-year-old has helped the club to a 3-2-4 record, including four shutout performances.
“Brandon has quickly asserted himself into our side and has helped to solidify our backline,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is a very talented central defender with a huge upside, and we are thrilled to have reached a deal to keep him at D.C. United.”
Prior to McDonald’s arrival, the Black-and-Red had a goal differential of minus six in 16 matches. Through nine games with McDonald in United’s lineup, the team has a goal difference of plus five, conceding only eight goals in that span.
Previously McDonald spent two and a half seasons in San Jose, appearing in 58 MLS games (54 starts), including eight starts in 2011.
The Phoenix, Ariz. native was drafted by the LA Galaxy with the 46th pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and played 16 games for the Galaxy prior to joining San Jose in 2009. McDonald also played four years at the University of San Francisco from 2004 to 2007.
Per club and League policy, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
