Chris Pontius was drafted seventh overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United. He called Washington his home for six years. Until, he was traded to the Philadelphia Union on December 7th, 2015.
Pontius made his professional debut against the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2009. While in D.C. he was an MLS All-Star. He lead the team in goals in 2011 and 2012, totaling about twenty goals. Pontius was named to the MLS Best XI in 2012.
Even though his time in Washington seemed successful, it was often masked by injury. After the 2012 season, he started to pick up injuries.