D.C. United announced today the club has acquired Quavas Kirk from the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for the rights to Greg Vanney. Kirk joins the Black-and-Red after three seasons in Los Angeles. The 19-year old midfielder is expected to join the team during its pre-season training in Camarillo, CA as early as Saturday.
"Quavas is a versatile player who has solid experience competing in our League," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "He has terrific athletic qualities and approaches the game with energy and professionalism. We believe he will be a solid contributor for our club and are excited about his future at D.C. United." </p>
Kirk was originally drafted by the Galaxy in the third round (34th overall) of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. He did not appear in a single League game during his first season due both to injury and commitments to the U.S. U-17 Men's National Team. In 2006, 6-foot 1-inch Kirk had a breakout season, appearing in 22 games (10 starts) and tallying two assists. Last year, the Aurora, IL native saw time in 11 games (five starts) seeing time in both the defense and midfield. </p>
Kirk has also spent significant time with the U.S. Youth National Teams. As a member of the U-17s in 2003, he tallied 11 goals and seven assists in 19 games and, in 2004, added another 11 goals and four assists in 34 games - leading the team each year in scoring. In 2005, Kirk collected 19 goals and six assists in 30 games (24 starts) during his final year with the U-17s and in 2006, made the jump to the U.S. U-20 National Team. During his first year, Kirk dished out two assists in five games (four starts) before playing in two games (both starts) last year. </p>
Vanney departs D.C. after a single season with the Black-and-Red. He was originally acquired from the Colorado Rapids midway through the 2007 campaign for Facundo Erpen. Vanney went on to play in 15 games (14 starts) at the center of D.C.'s defense before making two starts in the club's two playoff games. Vanney began his career with the Galaxy in 1996 and has also played for Bastia (France), FC Dallas and Colorado. </p>
"Greg was a true professional during his time with us," said Kasper. "We thank him for his contributions and wish him nothing but the best in the future."
United will face Jamaica's Harbour View FC in the quarterfinal round of the prestigious CONCACAF Champions' Cup. The two-game series begins on March 12, with United traveling to Jamaica for the first leg with the second leg taking place at home March 18 (7:30 p.m. ET at RFK Stadium). The winner of the series will advance to face either Pachuca (Mexico) or Motagua (Honduras) in the semifinal round. United and Harbour View have met once before in Champions' Cup play, when in March of 2005 the two teams met in the quarterfinal round. United captured a 2-1 victory on March 9 in the first leg and advanced 4-2 on aggregate following a 2-1 win in Jamaica on March 16.
