Ian Harkes was too young in the 1990s to capture memories of his father in a D.C. United uniform. Videos, photos and stories, both written and told, have filled in the blanks. The ties that bind father and son to the MLS organization, however, have run constant through the years. And with his signature on a legal document, Ian has followed in John’s determined footsteps.
On Monday, 20 years and three months after his father captained the first MLS Cup championship team, Ian Harkes became a second-generation United midfielder. With a multiyear contract finalized over the weekend, the Gonzaga High School and Wake Forest graduate reported to RFK Stadium for the first day of training camp.