D.C. United announced Friday the club has signed Liberian goalkeeper Louis Crayton. The 30-year old has been playing in the Swiss league for the last 11 years and also has international experience, earning 36 caps with the Liberia National team. Crayton arrived in D.C. last week and will be available for selection this weekend against the Chicago Fire.
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"We are excited to be acquiring a player with solid club and international experience and leadership qualities," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "We look forward to Louis' contributions to our club."
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Crayton was most recently a member of FC Basel, whom he originally joined in 2005, helping the team capture a League title last season and win the Swiss Cup in both 2007 and 2008. During the 2008 edition of the tournament, he started four of six games on the way to the championship. Craton also participated in two UEFA Cup matches in 2008, as Basel fell in the Round of 32 to Sporting (Portugal). During the 2005-06 season, he was a member of the Basel team that advanced to the quarterfinal around of the UEFA Cup before losing to England's Middlesbrough.
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"It is a great honor for me to be selected to play for D.C. United," said Crayton. "I look forward to being a part of the D.C. United family and to representing the club to the best of my ability."
Prior to joining FC Basel, Crayton played two seasons with Concordia Basel, making 44 appearances from 2003-2005. His long career has also seen him suit up for Swiss sides Zug 94 (2002-03, 13 appearances), YF Juventus (2001-02, 15 appearances), Wangen (2000-01, six appearances), Schaffhausen (2000-01, 13 appearances), Grasshoppers (1998-00, three appearances) and Luzern (1997-98, four appearances). Before moving to Switzerland, Crayton played two years for Liberia's Saint Joseph Warriors, making his debut at 19 years of age and playing in a total of 33 matches.
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Crayton made his international debut in a 2000 Nations' Cup qualifying match against Tunisia. Since then he has represented his country 36 times, often serving as captain, before announcing his retirement from international play in May 2008. In addition to his national team appearances, Crayton has also played in two FIFA World All-Star games - in South Africa in 1999 and in Hong Kong earlier this year.
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Additionally, the club has waived rookie midfielder Dan Stratford and moved midfielder Joe Vide to the senior developmental roster.
"We would like to thank Dan for his time spent at D.C. United, and we wish him the best of luck moving forward," said United General Manager Dave Kasper.
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Stratford was originally drafted in the second round (24th overall) of the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft on January 24, 2008. He saw time in five League games (one start), totaling 81 minutes on the pitch. In the Reserve Division, the Englishman played in seven games (six starts), totaling 508 minutes and notching a goal.
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Vide was acquired on July 16, 2008 via waivers after he was cut by the San Jose Earthquakes. The 24-year old has seen time in two League games (both starts), totaling 157 minutes on the field. He also featured in United's U.S. Open Cup semifinal win, coming on as substitue in the 79th minute.
Player vitals:
Name: Louis Crayton
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-0
Weight: 188
Jersey: 27
Date of Birth: 10-26-1977
Age: 30
Place of Birth: Bongmines, Liberia
Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia
Citizenship: Liberian/Swiss
Last Club: FC Basel (SUI/1)
Acquired: Signed, August 13, 2008
Status: Senior roster
