D.C. United sign forward Erik Hurtado

Almost a third of the way into the 2023 MLS season and sitting in seventh place, D.C. United announce the signing of veteran striker Erik Hurtado after a resounding 3-0 victory over Charlotte FC.

Hurtado comes to the Black-and-Red for the 2023 season from USL Championship team San Antonio FC for a reported $10K transfer fee, with an option in 2024.

The 32-year-old’s well-known hustle and commitment will undoubtedly bolster head coach Wayne Rooney’s attacking corps and shows the club’s commitment to making a deep run this season.

“We are getting an experienced MLS forward in Erik who will add important depth for us up top,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United’s president of soccer operations, said in a release. “Erik is a great competitor who takes no plays off and we look forward to integrating him with our group.”

Hurtado’s decade of MLS experience includes notable stints with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Sporting Kansas City, and most recently with the Columbus Crew for the 2021–22 season.

Aside from the brief, 25-day contract, Hurtado also spent a season with Norwegian side Mjøndalen IF back in 2015.

His signing, the 12th addition by D.C. this season, gives Rooney options up top with Christian Benteke, Taxiarchis Fountas, Nigel Tobertha, and last week’s trade, Colombian veteran Cristian Dájome