FC Cincinnati’s first selection in the 2018 MLS Expansion draft is D.C. United striker Darren Mattocks. The 28-year-old Jamaican had a career season for United this year, but the arrival of Wayne Rooney relegated him to a back-up role that he was not satisfied with. A recent report from the Washington Post confirmed that he was going to part ways with United anyway, but today’s move appears to send him to the 2019 expansion side. Per MLS rules, United will receive $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) as compensation.
Mattocks was a vital acquisition last winter for United, beating Patrick Mullins for the starting role up front in the preseason before justifying Ben Olsen’s public confidence in the former Portland Timbers man.