United’s Aguilar sidelined with work permit issues

D.C. United’s forward situation has gone from bad to worse. On Sunday it was revealed that rookie forward Miguel Aguilar is currently sidelined with a work permit issue.

The story was first reported by Steve Goff of the Washington Post.

Aguilar was unable to play for United in their 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Sunday. United management have not revealed whether or not he will be available for the club’s match against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday.

Although Aguilar has lived in the United States since he was 11 and attended college in the United States at the University of San Francisco he is still not a U.S. Citizen nor is he a green card holder. Aguilar’s parents came into the U.S. as undocumented workers from Mexico. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act, children whose parents are undocumented workers are allowed to stay in the United States.

In order to play soccer here in the United States professionally one must be either a U.S. Citizen, in possession of a green card, or have a Work Authorization Card. It is unknown if Aguilar has applied for a green card or Work Authorization card but he has featured for United in their preseason matches, their two CONCACAF Champions League matches, and the regular season opener against the Montreal Impact.

The 17th overall pick in this MLS SuperDraft, Aguilar was expected to be a spot starter early in the season and be a key substitute off of the bench later in the year. The club is already without Fabian Espindola, who still has four games left on his six game susepension, and Eddie Johnson, who is expected to be out for the remainder of the season with an undisclosed heart issue. The club will likely be getting forward Luis Silva (11 goals) back within the next two weeks.

Without Aguilar, United’s main attacking off of the bench will be Conor Doyle. Doyle, has been with United since the 2013 season but has only scored 2 goals in 33 appearances. United may also be getting back Homegrown Player Michael Seaton soon. But given his age (18) and his high ceiling expect United to take their time getting him back on the field.