LOS ANGELES — D.C. United claimed a locally trained player in the first round of the MLS draft Friday. It continues, however, to wait for a resolution on a higher-profile prospect from the area.
With the No. 12 overall selection, United turned down a late offer from the rival New York Red Bulls and picked Chris Odoi-Atsem, a right back from DeMatha High School and the University of Maryland. He’ll join a D.C. squad that already includes two former Terrapins: Taylor Kemp and Patrick Mullins.
Maryland has “really put in place a good setup where their players are prepared” for pro soccer, said Odoi-Atsem, who is from Mitchellville.