What was learned here on Tuesday and in the print edition of the Examiner on Wednesday was that D.C. United was moving closer to signing academy goalkeeper Bill Hamid to a professional contract. By late Wednesday, as seen on my Twitter account, @craigstouffer, the deal was imminent.
What was learned Thursday evening was that Hamid’s contract with Major League Soccer — and thereby, D.C. United — is all set. Everything just has to be finalized. Pen to paper, my friends.
What you’re learning here right now is the hope is that everything gets signed on Friday. What you also need to know is that, according to a source with knowledge of the deal, Hamid is esssentially taking a senior roster spot, which by pay grade, would put him ahead of No. 2 goalkeeper on the depth chart Milos Kocic. It certainly sets up an interesting dilemma this offseason, as United is all but assured of being unable to protect Kocic in the next expansion draft. With two senior roster goalies next season, Kocic might have to accept another developmental deal if he wants to stay in Washington.
Now please excuse me, i’m taking the high road out of town on vacation.
