Donovan Pines was a name that D.C. United fans were hoping would be on the roster when the 2019 season began. He left the Maryland Terrapins after winning the 2018 national championship, earning several accolades in the process. He was linked to many teams in Europe as he considered his professional future. In the end, the Black-and-Red were able to sign him as a Homegrown Player on January 23rd, and he was expected to help shore up the defense and provide depth at centerback.
After preseason, he was loaned to Loudoun United and made his professional debut for them on March 10th against Nashville SC.