D.C. United needs all the help it can get, so on Thursday it signed 15-year-old forward Oscar Avilez ahead of Saturday’s season finale at Atlanta United.
The District’s Major League Soccer club has already been eliminated from playoff contention with its sixth straight losing season. D.C. United ranks as the worst team in the MLS’ Eastern Conference, two points behind second-worst Atlanta.
Avilez, a homegrown talent who has played in D.C. United’s academy system since November, is under contract through 2028. The deal includes options for the 2029 and 2030 seasons. The money amount was not disclosed.
Erkut Sogut, D.C. United’s managing director of soccer operations, said in a statement, “Oscar’s journey is a reflection of the investment and infrastructure we’ve built across our academy. … At just 15 years old, our focus will be on protecting Oscar’s development and surrounding him with the right tools, people, and structure to ensure his long-term success.”
Avilez was born in Honduras and has played for the Honduran Youth National Team. Before joining D.C. United, he played for the Virginia Rush Soccer Club in Virginia Beach.
“Oscar’s talent creates this opportunity, but his commitment, sacrifice and hard work have made this a reality for him,” Kevin Flanagan, United’s director of academy and player development, said. “He has consistently displayed his potential on the pitch, and he has the character to continue to develop and make an impact at the next level.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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