D.C. United Add To Depth With Ethan Dobbelaere Signing

D.C. United have signed the versatile Ethan Dobbelaere off of the End Of Year Waivers List. Earlier this off-season the Seattle Sounders declined their contract option on the young Dobbelaere. The 21 year old began his time within the Seattle Sounders system as primarily a right winger. But by the end of the 2023 season, he had proven himself as someone who could be a decent right wingback within MLS. With D.C. United still without a manager, this move seems to be one from new Sporting Director Ally MacKay to build a young talented core for whoever takes over. Dobbelaere finished  his Seattle Sounders career with 23 games played (45 for the Tacoma Defiance), 1 goal (5 goals for Tacoma), and 2 assists (1 for Tacoma).

If D.C. United view Dobbelaere as more of a right wingback, then I could see him being a strong backup to the newly acquired Aaron Herrera. If they view him as more of a right winger, then he would add to the depth on D.C.’s wings that consist now of Ted Ku-DiPietro, Martin Rodriguez, Cristian Dajome, and many are expecting Kristian Fletcher. There is also the very real case that he could play a bit of both for D.C. in 2024! Personally, I’d stick with the transition that began in 2023 and continue to work with the 21 year old to be an attacking fullback. This would stick with a pattern we’ve seen a ton over the last few years within MLS.