Back in the good old days — say, 2016 — a D.C. United homegrown player might get the nod in a nonleague match or go on loan to second-flight affiliates in Richmond. For most youth academy graduates over the years, first-team minutes were a long-term aspiration.
Less than two months into this MLS campaign, however, two prospects who did not seem to fit into Coach Ben Olsen’s plans until the summer have already gained playing time.
First, there was Donovan Pines, a 6-foot-5 center back from Clarksville, Md., and the University of Maryland, who debuted with a quality start at Colorado on April 13.