The 2018 MLS Re-Entry Draft’s first stage did not pass uneventfully for D.C. United, who lost veteran midfielder/defender Nick DeLeon to Toronto FC. TFC, with the fifth overall selection, grabbed the 28 year old, who had previously spent his entire professional career with United. As teams had declined their chance to retain players involved in the Re-Entry Draft (RED), the Black-and-Red receive no compensation.
In a team release, United GM Dave Kasper said “Nick was a model professional for D.C. United for the entirety of his tenure at the club. He gave everything he had for his fellow players, coaches and the fans each time he stepped foot on the field to represent us.