Photo by ISIphotos.com
A year ago at this time, Chris Pontius' future was in jeopardy after a broken leg prematurely ended what had been a breakout season. Now, in the midst of the best season of his budding career, his future is bright and secure.
Pontius signed a long-term contract with D.C. United Friday, the terms of which were not disclosed. Pontius leads D.C. with a career-high 10 goals and has emerged as one of the top attacking threats in MLS in his fourth season in the league.
"D.C. has been very good to me – the organization, the fans, and the community – and I’m committed to bringing this team back to where it needs to be," Pontius said in a statement.
Pontius, who has played both on the left wing and up top for D.C. this year, was the MLS All-Star Game MVP with his goal and assist against Chelsea. More importantly, he has stayed healthy and suffered no setbacks after recovering from his broken leg. He has played in 24 of the club's 27 games this season and figures to assume a bigger role in the attack going forward now that Dwayne De Rosario has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
"Chris has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Major League Soccer," D.C. general manager Dave Kasper said. "His best soccer is still to come and this is exciting for the club, our fans, and our community. We look forward to his contributions, on and off the field, for years to come."
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What do you think of this development? Happy to see Pontius staying put? Do you think Pontius should be part of the national team picture next month?
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