D.C. United's young midfielders have a new mentor, one who knows Major League Soccer back to front.
On Tuesday, the Montreal Impact announced they had traded club captain Davy Arnaud to United in exchange for an international roster spot during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
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Last season, his second as Montreal's captain, Arnaud scored one goal and added five assists in 24 games, but salary cap implications forced the Quebec club to move a player who had been with the club since they entered MLS in 2011.
"It was going to be challenging for us to bring Davy back with the salary cap and 2013 being the final year of his contract," sporting director Nick De Santis said in a statement. "He has always been a true professional and leader both on and off the field. He has served his role of captain well. We'd like to thank him for all he has done over the last two years with the Impact and we wish him all the best in the future."
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D.C., meanwhile, get a talented veteran piece to help turn things around following a historically bad year in the nation's capital. Arnaud started 52 of 68 league fixtures over the past two years for Montreal, and in total has 297 matches (265 starts), 48 goals and 43 assists to his name during a 12-year professional career.
"Davy is a versatile midfielder who has a wealth of MLS experience," United general manager Dave Kasper said in a statement. "He will add leadership on the field and in the locker room, and we look forward to having him as part of United."
