Major League Soccer

D.C. United Acquires Defenders James And Habarugira

D.C. United added defenders Julius James and David Habarugira and put Ange N'Silu on the injury reserves. The Houston Dynamo replaced James with Ryan Cochrane.

Aug 15, 2009 12:11:23 AM

MLS: Mo Johnston, Julius James, Toronto FC, 2008 SuperDraft (ISI)

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MLS: Mo Johnston, Julius James, Toronto FC, 2008 SuperDraft (ISI)

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It was a busy day for trades in Major League Soccer. D.C. United, gearing up for 10 games in the next 31 days, made the most moves.

Having spent part of the summer on trial with the club, 20-year-old David Habarugira finally signed. The young defender previously played in the Belgian second division with Union Saint-Gilloise and has spent time in the Anderlecht youth teams. Though a Belgian citizen, Habarugira plays for the Burundi national team, where he was born.

"David is a versatile defender with a big upside," said D.C. general manager Dave Kasper. "He has been in a structured environment for the last several years and has all the tools to be a successful player."

Joining Habarugira in bolstering United's defense is Julius James. Only a sophomore in MLS play, James is already on his third club. He was drafted by Toronto FC in 2008 and traded to Houston as part of the Dwayne DeRosario deal this summer. Houston let the Trinidad and Tobago international go for a third round pick in the 2012 SuperDraft.

"Julius is a big, athletic defender who will help us at several positions in our back line," said Kasper. "He has a bright future and we look forward to getting him on board as we enter the final phase of our season."

Helping make room for the two new additions was the placement of Ange N'Silu on the injury reserves. The striker has a hamstring strain.

Houston acted quickly to compensate for the loss of James by trading for Ryan Cochrane. The San Jose Earthquakes received an international roster spot for the veteran defender.

"He had a good two years with us, helping us win two MLS Cups in the process," Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear said. "I like him as a player, and I am happy to see him return. I look forward to seeing him play in orange again."

Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com

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