WASHINGTON – In the midst of a busy stretch of five matches in 15 days, D.C. United has announced a special call-up. Francis Wesley, of Make-A-Wish
®
Mid-Atlantic, has been named to the Black-and-Red roster and will figure prominently in the team’s plans for its May 30 match vs. the Philadelphia Union at RFK Stadium.
“Francis has all the qualities that we are looking for, including a quiet confidence and limitless potential,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity, and we’re looking forward to the impact he will make at RFK on May 30.”
Wesley, who is battling a blood cancer called Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, was notified of his call-up at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Md., on Thursday with a video from D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen. Wesley will train with D.C. United and will be available for interviews with the media on Friday, May 29.
The 17-year-old Liberian native began playing soccer at age 5 and has always dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. He will have a chance to represent what has become his hometown team while he finishes high school nearby to his regular treatment at the National Institutes of Health.
D.C. United will host Philadelphia on Saturday, May 30, at RFK Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
*About Make-A-Wish® Mid-Atlantic
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic serves children who reside in central and southern Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and northern Virginia. Founded in 1983, the organization has granted more than 8,400 wishes in the Mid-Atlantic region since its inception. This year alone, 840 local children are expected to be diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. However, for every wish granted, at least two more local children are waiting. The community has the opportunity to make an impact today by helping Make-A-Wish to reach hundreds of kids whose wishes would go otherwise go unanswered this year. For more information, please visit: www.midatlantic.wish.org.
