WASHINGTON (December 10, 2017) — D.C. United have acquired Jamaican National Team forward Darren Mattocks from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a 2018 International slot, exercising his option for 2018. The 27-year-old made 24 appearances last season for the Portland Timbers, scoring four goals and recording two assists.
"We are thrilled to add an attacking player who unbalances opposing defenses with his speed, willingness to get into dangerous areas, and ability to score goals," Dave Kasper, United general manager, said. "Darren is coming off a great year with impactful performances for Portland and for Jamaica, helping them reach the Gold Cup final. We believe Darren's best football is ahead of him as he enters the prime of his career, and we welcome him to the Black-and-Red."
Mattocks started his MLS career with the Vancouver Whitecaps who him second overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. After scoring seven goals in his rookie season, Mattocks topped the 2012 MLS Top 24 Under 24 list.
He appeared in 93 games, scored 19 goals and recorded six assists in five seasons with the Whitecaps. The Portmore, Jamaica native made history by scoring the first MLS Cup Playoff goal for the 2011 expansion team against the Los Angeles Galaxy on November 1, 2012.
On the international stage, Mattocks made his debut for the Reggae Boyz in a 2-0 win against El Salvador in an international friendly on Aug. 16, 2012. He has scored 14 goals in 42 appearances for Jamaica and most recently appeared in all six of their Gold Cup 2017 games including the final against the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Mattocks scored three times in the tournament. His first goal came in the 2–0 win in their opening game against Curaçao on July 17, 2017. His second goal of the tournament was an important equalizer from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with El Salvador. The equalizer gave the Reggae Boyz the point they needed to finish second in Group C behind Mexico. Mattocks then provided both assists in the 2-1 win over Canada in the quarterfinal to advance Jamaica to the semifinals where they beat Mexico 1-0 then lost 2-1 to the USMNT in the final on July 27.
Mattocks was a product of the Waterhouse FC academy and played collegiately at the University of Akron from from 2010-2011. The former Zips forward scored three goals in the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Men¹s Soccer Tournament on the way to winning the NCAA College Cup.
Player: Darren Mattocks
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Portmore, Jamaica
Country: Jamaica
Birthdate: 09/02/1990
Age: 27
Height: 5’10"
Weight: 155
Previous Club: Portland Timbers (MLS)
Status: Green card
Transaction: United acquire Jamaican forward Darren Mattocks from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a 2018 international slot, exercising his option for 2018.
