Washington, D.C. – D.C. United announced today the club has signed 2010 midfielder Andy Najar to a new multi-year contract that will see the 17-year old remain in DC for years to come. Najar became the youngest player in League history to capture Rookie of the Year honors following his five-goal inaugural campaign.
“Andy had a brilliant rookie season and is the most exciting young player in the League,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “One of our top priorities this off-season was to agree to a new deal with Andy that would both reward him for his contributions and secure his future with D.C. United.”
[inline_lightbox:14074]“I'm extremely happy for Andy and his family,” said D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “He is deserving of this contract and I look forward to seeing him grow within this organization.”
“D.C. United made an early commitment to youth development and this is the exact reason why,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “Andy has led the way from our Academy to our first team and with the addition of players like Bill Hamid, Conor Shanosky and now, Ethan White, we can see the importance of the Academy to continued success at the first team level.”
Najar was the second player in D.C. United history to capture Rookie of the Year honors, as the 17-year-old Honduran joined 1998 winner Ben Olsen. Najar scored five goals and an assist in 26 League matches (22 starts) during the 2010 League season. In all competitions, Najar netted seven goals and registered two assists. He is the youngest player by four years to earn the honor and the first Rookie of the Year to come directly from the Academy level, as United signed Najar from its youth ranks on March 22, 2010. He scored his first professional goal on April 28 against FC Dallas in a U.S. Open Cup qualifier, while his first League strike came against Chivas USA on May 29. Najar is a Green Card holder and is classified as a domestic player on United’s roster.
Najar earned four D.C. United year-end awards, including the Golden Boot, the Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Award, the Volkswagen Fans Choice Award, the Volkswagen Goal of the Year.
Per club and League policy, exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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