D.C. United announced today that the club has signed former Richmond Kickers Future (PDL) goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra. The 26-year-old netminder joins the Black-and-Red having completed preseason camps in Florida and Arizona. Dykstra is currently with the team in Charleston, South Carolina, where United is competing in the Carolina Challenge Cup.
“We are excited to have added another young goalkeeper who has a bright future in MLS,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “Andrew has gained valuable experience in the past two years as a professional and we look forward to his contributions to our club.”
A standout at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dykstra spent four seasons with the Kickers Premier Development team (2005-2008), making 50 appearances in a Kickers uniform, amassing nearly 5,000 minutes and posting eight shutouts.
The native of Woodbridge, VA had a one year stint with the Charleston Battery in 2011, starting all 16 games played. The former Chicago Fire goalkeeper led the league with a 0.98 goals-against average and 16 goals against, helping the Battery to an 8-6-2 record, earning the club’s Betsy McAdams Newcomer of the Year award.
Dykstra previously spent time with the Chicago Fire, after signing with the club in June of 2009. He made 17 total appearances over the course of two seasons in Chicago. The former VCU goalie made his MLS debut with the Fire on March 27, 2010 in the season opener against New York Red Bulls. Dykstra finished the season with a 5-6-6 record, including five shutouts and an 1.28 goals-against average.
