Pines Signs Homegrown Contract with D.C. United
1/22/2019 6:04:00 PM | Men's Soccer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Maryland junior center back Donovan Pines has signed a homegrown player contract with D.C. United, the club announced Tuesday. Pines thereby will forgo his final season in College Park to join the MLS club immediately.
Pines played three seasons at Maryland, appearing in 56 matches with 39 starts in central defense. The Clarksville, Md., native saved his best season for last, earning United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American honors while helping the Terps capture the 2018 NCAA Championship.
Pines was sensational for a Maryland defense that has gave up just 16 goals in 2018, and none in their NCAA Tournament run, a total of five consecutive clean sheets. He scored two goals in 2018, including in Maryland 2-0 College Cup semifinal victory against No. 2 Indiana, and added two assists. For his career, Pines tallied three goals.
Pines earned All-Big Ten plaudits in all three of his seasons, earning All-Freshman team honors in 2016 before being named second-team All-Big Ten in 2017. He capped off his career with All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2018. He was also a United Soccer Coaches All-Region team selection his junior campaign and was named to Top Drawer Soccer's National Best XI First Team. For his efforts in the NCAA Tournament, Pines was named to the College Cup All-Tournament team.
He was sensational against some of the best attacking players in the country in 2018. Forwards Andre Shinyashiki of Denver and JJ Williams of Kentucky, both MAC Hermann Trophy finalists, were unable to notch a point matched up with Pines.
Pines will join former Maryland defender Chris Odoi-Atsem (2013-16) on D.C. United. The duo played 17 matches together in Maryland's 2016 campaign. He is the 11th homegrown signing in D.C. United's history. Pines joined the D.C. United Academy in 2015 and represented the club at the youth level for two years.
Maryland MLS Homegrown Signings
Donovan Pines, 2019, D.C. United
Eryk Williamson, 2018, Portland Timbers
Alex Crognale, 2016, Columbus Crew
Mael Corboz, 2015, New York Red Bulls
London Woodberry, 2013, FC Dallas
Matt Kassel, 2011, New York Red Bulls
Ethan White, 2010, D.C. United
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