Espindola is now a DP
One year ago today Fabian Espindola was just another guy on D.C. United’s roster. But after being a huge cog in United’s 2014 comeback season the club showed a bit of gratitude by signing him to a Designated Player deal.
As per league policy, exact terms and figures of the deal were not immediately disclosed. Given that he is over the age of 23, he will be paid at least $350,000. The league’s Designated Player rule sets various payment levels based on age.
After being selected from the New York Red Bulls in the 2013 Stage 2 Re-Entry Draft, Espindola was brought into to D.C. United to help re-invigorate their stale attack. In 2013, the club scored a league-low 22 goals which is still an MLS record.
Although it was expected that Espindola would help the United attack he became a much more important piece after forward Eddie Johnson (who is United’s other Designated Player) failed to live up to expectations. Due to Johnson being gone for U.S. Men’s National Team and suspensions early in the season, much of United’s needs on the attack fell on the shoulders of Espindola. He responded by scoring 11 goals in 2014.
Moreover, he formed a strong partnership with some United’s other attacking players. His 9 assists led the team in 2014 and his ability to draw multiple defenders allowed for midfielder Luis Silva (11 goals) and to post a career-high for goals. In general, the D.C. United attack improved dramatically in 2014 scoring 52 goals.
2015 will be Espindola’s ninth season in MLS. Prior to 2014 Espindola had stints with the Red Bulls (2013) and Real Salt Lake (2007-2012). In his career he has over 55 goals in 180 appearances.
He came to MLS from South America, having played for Boca Juniors in Argentina and Deportivo Quito, Talleres, and Aucas in Ecuador.
Signing Espindola to a DP deal puts the club in a very interesting position on the attacking end and makes their situation with Johnson even more tenuous. Together the two never really looked compatible and Espindola looked much more comfortable playing with Silva, Chris Rolfe, or Chris Pontius up front.
Given that United are in the quarterfinals of the 2014-2015 CONCACAF Champions League (which begins on February 26th) and that they will be in the 2015-2016 edition as well Johnson will likely be kept on the squad. It should also be noted that Espindola is suspended for the first six matches of the 2015 MLS season due to his red card following the club’s exit in the MLS Playoffs. This model where Johnson played in one competition and Espindola played in another seemed to work well in late September so it might be an avenue for United to pursue.
