Loudoun, Va. (March 6, 2020) - D.C. United sign captain Steven Birnbaum to a three-year contract extension. He will now be with the club until 2023.
“Steven has established himself as one of the best and most complete center backs in the league since we selected him in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, said. “His aerial ability, reading of the game and defensive instincts paired with his composure on the ball in the backline are what set him apart from other center backs in MLS. He has become a leader in the locker room and the DC community so we are excited to extend his contract for the foreseeable future at the club.”
After being drafted second overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Birnbaum has established himself as one of the most reliable and consistent defenders in the league. Over the last two regular seasons, the 29-year-old has started every game for the Black-and-Red and logged more minutes (6,092) than any other player in MLS. In 2018, the defender set a club-record after playing every minute of the regular season and on July 12, 2019 against the New England Revolution, Birnbaum made his 150th regular season appearance for the club. Birnbaum played an important role in helping D.C. United to a league-high 14 clean sheets last year, including a club record of five consecutive clean sheets to close out the season.
Since 2014, the California native has demonstrated his aerial dominance, recording the most aerials won (787), and headed clearances (552) in the league. Birnbaum has also recorded the second most clearances (924), the fourth most blocks (116) and the sixth most interceptions (360) during that same time period. In his career with the Black-and-Red, Birnbaum has made 164 appearances; scoring eight goals and recording three assists.
In his rookie season, Birnbaum made 21 appearances for the Black-and-Red with his debut coming in a 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew on June 7, 2014. Following an impressive debut season, Birnbaum was a finalist for the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year. The defender scored his first career goal for United against Toronto FC on June 6, 2015. In his third season with the Black-and-Red, Birnbaum was named to the 2016 MLS All-Star Game after setting career-highs in goals (3) and assists (2).
Player: Steven Birnbaum
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180
DOB: 1/23/1991
Hometown: Irvine, California
Status: Domestic
Transaction: D.C. United sign Steven Birnbaum to a three-year contract extension
