United completed final in MLS with a 7-21-6 file in 2022 because it conceded a league-high 71 targets.
“We’re thrilled to be getting probably the most harmful attacking proper backs in MLS,” United Sporting Director Dave Kasper stated in an announcement. “Ruan has been a giant success since becoming a member of MLS and we’re excited to carry him to the nation’s capital.”
Ruan, whose full identify is Ruan Gregório Teixeira, was a daily starter at proper again over 4 seasons with Orlando, recording 4 targets and 15 assists in 101 MLS appearances. He joined Orlando on a one-year mortgage from Brazilian membership Barra da Tijuca earlier than making a everlasting transfer forward of the 2020 season. Ruan has one season left on a contract he signed final 12 months with an possibility for 2024.
He joins Andy Najar as veteran proper backs on United’s roster. Deployed as a right-sided heart again in former coach Hernán Losada’s 3-5-2 system in 2021 and the primary half of 2022, Najar performed proper and left again final season after the membership shifted to a four-man protection upon Rooney’s midseason arrival. Suffering from accidents all through his profession, the 29-year-old Honduran ended the season with two assists in 23 appearances.
The commerce left United and not using a choose till the second spherical, when it chosen Penn midfielder Ben Stitz, a Baltimore native, at No. 31. United picked Georgetown midfielder Aidan Rocha, a Brookeville native who performed at St. John’s School Excessive, with its third-round selection, No. 60 total.
As MLS golf equipment have come to lean extra closely on homegrown signings, the draft’s worth has diminished, with many picks ending up on second-division rosters. Stitz and Rocha can be prime candidates to signal with D.C. affiliate Loudoun United in the event that they don’t earn first-team contracts.
Charlotte FC took Clemson defender Hamady Diop with the No. 1 choose after buying the choice in a commerce with enlargement St. Louis Metropolis. Orlando took Duke ahead Shakur Mohammed with the No. 2 choice it acquired from United.
4 College of Maryland gamers had been drafted: midfielder Joshua Bolma (No. 4 to the New England Revolution), midfielder Malcolm Johnston (No. 26 to New York Metropolis FC), defender Christopher Rindov (No. 37 to Sporting Kansas Metropolis) and midfielder Hunter George (No. 62 to the San Jose Earthquakes). Virginia defender Andreas Ueland went 68th to New England, and the Portland Timbers took James Madison defender Tyler Clegg at No. 85.
United opens the season towards Toronto FC on Feb. 25 at Audi Subject.