D.C. United have announced the acquisition of Argentine and Club Atlético Boca Juniors Forward, Ramón “Wanchope” Ábila, who has been claimed off of waivers. Ábila was previously on loan with Minnesota United FC before being placed on waivers on Aug. 11, 2021.
“Bringing in a player of Wanchope's quality will reinforce our squad with another proven goalscorer as we head into the second half of the season and continue our push for MLS Cup Playoffs, Dave Kasper, D.C. United President of Soccer Operations, said. “Having depth this year is more important than ever with a condensed schedule, and we are very pleased with this addition.”
Ábila joined Minnesota United on loan on April 7, 2021. Since making the transition to Major League Soccer (MLS), Ábila has scored two goals in 10 appearances (one start) for the Loons. The forward made his MLS debut on April 16, 2021 as a 65th-minute substitute in the 4-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders. The 31-year-old scored his first MLS goal in his fourth appearance with Minnesota United, a game-winning goal in the 72nd minute in the 1-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 12, 2021. His most recent goal came in the 2-2 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on July 3.
“We believe that Ramón has all the tools to be successful within our system at D.C. United,” Lucy Rushton, D.C. United General Manager, said. “He has an impressive pedigree coming from Boca Juniors and he will add another element to our team going forward. In our direct, front-foot style of play, a target man who can hold up the ball and bring others into the game is integral to our success.”
Prior to joining Minnesota United, Ábila had spent the previous three seasons with Boca Juniors after being acquired by the Argentine powerhouse on Dec. 31, 2017. Ábila made his debut for Boca Juniors on Feb. 11, 2018 in the 1-0 win against Club Atlético Temperley. He scored his first goal for the club Feb. 25, 2018 in the 4-2 win against Club Atlético San Martín. In total, Ábila scored 34 goals and recorded 14 assists in 81 appearances for Boca Juniors.
Ábila started his professional career at 19-years-old when he made his debut in 2008 for the Instituto AC Córdoba’s first team in the Primera Nacional — the Argentine second division — where he made 31 appearances. In 2014, Ábila signed with Club Atletico Huracán, where he was one of the top scorers at Copa Sudamericana 2015, a title he still holds with five goals. He was also part of a Huracán squad that won the 2013-14 Copa Argentina and the 2014 Supercopa Argentina.
Player: Ramón Ábila
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 10/14/1989
Birthplace: Córdoba, Argentina
Hometown: Córdoba, Argentina
Age: 31
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185 lbs
Previous club: Minnesota United
Citizenship: Argentina
Status: International
Transaction: D.C. United claim forward Ramón Ábila off of waivers.
