United Snags Curtis

CHANTILLY, VA (March 12, 2002) - D.C. United announced today that the club has traded their third round pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft to the Dallas Burn in exchange for former Tampa Bay Mutiny forward Ali Curtis. The Burn had previously selected the second year forward in today’s MLS waiver draft. Pending registration with U.S. Soccer, Curtis will be available for selection in tomorrow night’s match with Comunicaciones at RFK Stadium. Tickets remain available for the game, scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m., by dialing TicketMaster PhoneCharge at (202) 432-SEAT or by logging onto dcunited.com.

“Ali earned his spot at D.C. United with his determined play during our pre-season,” said United technical director Dave Kasper. “He will contribute to or club on and off of the field and we look for big things to come in his career.”

Curtis was selected in the first round (2nd overall) in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft by Tampa Bay Mutiny. The rookie tallied his first career MLS goal (a game-winner) in the Mutiny’s season opener. Curtis played in 20 games for Tampa and became a true offensive threat for the club. He recorded a career high eight shots versus Kansas City before sustaining a knee injury.

“I am very happy to be with this club,” said Curtis. “This is a great organization and I’m looking forward to playing this season in Washington.”

Curtis was honored with the Mutiny’s 2001 New York Life Humanitarian of the Year as well as finishing as a finalist for 2001 MLS New York Life Humanitarian of the Year award. The Duke graduate earned the prestigious Hermann Award in 1999 and became the 3rd player in school history to receive the Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year in 2000. Curtis finished his career at Duke with 53 goals and 28 assists resulting in 134 points.