Dwayne De Rosario’s days in the nation’s capital are over. According to the Washington Post’s Steven Goff, the 2011 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player cleaned out his locker on Wednesday, departing D.C. United shortly after the club informed him his 2014 contract option would not be picked up.
According to the Post, the club also has no intention of offering the 35-year-old a new deal at a lower salary, closing the door on the possibility of the former San Jose, Houston, Toronto and New York star returning at a reduced price. The most expensive player on D.C. United’s roster, De Rosario make $630,000 in 2013.
[MORE: Starting to clean up the roster mess at D.C. United]
Like the rest of his team, De Rosario struggled through a disappointing 2013 season, recording only three goals and two assists in 24 appearances (17 starts). The Canadian international added five goals during D.C. United’s successful U.S. Open Cup run but wasn’t able to prevent his team from setting an MLS record for fewest wins in season (three).
From the Post:
Asked last week whether he would like to remain in Washington next year, De Rosario said he was excited about playing in the CONCACAF Champions League …. He also cited a desire to remain in the same city for the last segment of his career with his wife and four children.
United, though, had no intention of exercising the contract option. The big question was whether the club would offer a new deal at a considerably lower rate and, if so, whether he would accept both the smaller salary and a secondary role. Ultimately, United did not see him in its plans in any capacity and needed both the salary cap space and, according to one source, “the room for younger players to grow into bigger roles” next year.
Thus ends De Rosario’s two-plus year run in D.C., one that produced 23 goals in 68 appearances. In addition to his MVP award, “De Ro” won a Golden Boot and made a Best XI during his time with the black and red, having arrived from New York during the middle of the 2011 season.
[MORE: Unwanted recognition: D.C. United sets MLS record with three-win season]
Given his age, 2013 performance, and compensation, De Rosario’s future in Major League Soccer’s now particularly unclear. While any player let go by a club will have doubts about their future, De Rosario’s are more pronounced. Set to turn 36 early next season, De Rosario may not only have to accept a lower salary but potentially a diminished role. Though he was at the center of things for D.C. United, it’s unlikely another team will see him as a potential focal point.
You hate to get too speculative about these things, but was can all see where this is headed. Is De Rosario ready to switch cities, play for maybe one-fifth the money, and fight for a job with a new team? Or is it time for him to move on to the next phase of his life, contenting himself with his 103 career goals, 77 career assists, and four MLS Cup titles?
Only De Rosario knows how much he has left. D.C. United wasn’t willing to pay to find out.
