United sign 16-year-old Academy product Michael Seaton

D.C. United signs 16-year-old Homegrown forward Michael Seaton

Capitol Heights, Md. striker becomes fifth Homegrown player to join the Black-and-Red

Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2013)  today  D.C. United announced that the club has signed 16-year-old Academy product Michael Seaton. The forward becomes the fifth Homegrown player on United’s roster, joining 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, goalkeeper Bill Hamid, midfielder Conor Shanosky and defender Ethan White. Seaton progressed through United’s Academy system, starting as a Pre-Academy player and joining the U-18 squad this year.

“Michael has made big strides in a short amount of time in our Academy system and he is ready to take the next step,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “As an attacking player, Michael has an excellent work rate and is a real handful for opposing defenses. He will have some terrific mentors in Dwayne De Rosario and Chris Pontius, and Ben and his staff will have another young player with an upside to integrate into the first team.”

"We are very excited to have signed another academy product today. The main goal of the Academy is to prepare players for these moments," said Sonny Silooy, D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development. “Our connection with the First Team has allowed for Michael to go from the Pre-Academy all the way to the top.  He has the tools and a lot of potential. We have been impressed at his rate of development, and look forward to his future as a professional soccer player.

A native of Capitol Heights, Md. and product of Freestate Soccer Alliance, Seaton appeared in nine Academy games (seven starts) this season, tallying three goals. Seaton was the leading scorer (12 goals) for the U-15 D.C. United Pre-Academy team and the co-leading scorer (14 goals) for the U-16s, guiding the team to a final eight finish in the playoffs. The young striker impressed in the Black-and-Red’s last Reserve League match of the 2012 campaign, going the full 90 minutes against the Columbus Crew on October 21. Seaton has duel citizenship between the U.S. and Jamaica and has played at the U-17 level with the Jamaican Men’s National Team.

In December of 2012, D.C. United, Freestate Soccer Alliance, and adidas reached a historic affiliate agreement, and Michael Seaton is the first Freestate player to sign with D.C. United.

Name: Michael Seaton

Position: Forward

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 180 lbs.

Citizenship: Jamaica

Hometown: Capitol Heights, Md.

Birthplace: Spanish Town, Jamaica

Previous Club: D.C. United Academy

Acquired: Signed on January 14, 2013