WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 15, 2023) - D.C. United have selected midfielder Ethan Dobbelaere from the End-of-Year-Waiver List. Dobbelaere is a product of the Seattle Sounders Academy and signed as a Homegrown in 2020.
“Ethan is a versatile player who can play either in the midfield or as a defender,” Ally Mackay, D.C. United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer, said. “He has a great understanding of the game and still has a high ceiling for development at just 21 years old. He will add important depth to our roster ahead of 2024 and we’re excited to integrate him with the squad in preseason.”
In 2023, Dobbelaere scored one goal and recorded two assists in seven appearances for the Seattle Sounders across all competitions. The 21-year-old appeared in both of Seattle’s 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixtures. He recorded a goal and an assist in the third round win against the San Diego Loyal on April 27, 2023. Dobbelaere then recorded an assist in the fourth round loss to the LA Galaxy on May 11, 2023. The midfielder also spent a portion of the 2023 season on loan with the Seattle Sounders’ MLS Next Pro affiliate, the Tacoma Defiance. Last season, Dobbelaere made seven appearances for the Defiance.
Dobbelaere started his professional career with the Seattle Sounders’ United Soccer League (USL) Championship affiliate, the Tacoma Defiance, before they transitioned to an MLS Next Pro affiliate in 2022. At 16-years-old, Dobbelaere made his USL Championship debut when he came off the bench in a 2-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Oct. 13, 2019. Dobbelaere would score his first professional goal in his fourth appearance for the Defiance in a 5-1 win against San Antonio FC on Aug. 31, 2019. After scoring one goal in seven appearances in his first season with the Defiance, Dobbelaere signed a Homegrown contract with the Seattle Sounders on June 15, 2020 at 17-years-old. In four seasons in the MLS, Dobbelaere has made 19 appearances (six starts) since making his debut on Nov. 4, 2020.
Dobbelaere has also represented the U.S. Youth National Team at the U-17 level. The midfielder made his first appearance for the U-17s in an international friendly against Mexico on Sept. 9, 2019; he recorded an assist in the 2-1 win. Dobbelaere then went on to appear in all three group matches for the USYNT at the 2019 U-17 World Cup in Brazil. He played against Senegal, Japan, and the Netherlands in the tournament.
Ethan Dobbelaere
Position: Midfield
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
Country: United States
Birthdate: 11/14/2002
Age: 21
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 143 lbs
Status: Domestic
Transaction: D.C. United select Ethan Dobbelaere from the End-of-Year Waivers List.
