This man is pumped to be coming back to the MLS!

According to the D.C. United Front Office, the team announced today the club has acquired goalkeeper Steve Cronin on loan from the Portland Timbers (USL-1) after getting League approval for a case of extreme hardship roster addition. First-choice goalkeeper Josh Wicks was injured in the team’s 2-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on September 27 when he dislocated his shoulder and strained his MCL on a play in the second half.

During the 2009 season with the Timbers, Cronin played in 28 matches, earning 10 shutouts and a 0.68 goals-against average on his way to being named Goalkeeper of the Year. The 26-year old was originally drafted by San Jose with the 10th overall pick in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft but did not see any playing time with the Earthquakes. He was then traded to Los Angeles, where he made 28 appearances from 2005 to 2008.

Cronin spent three seasons at Santa Clara University. During his senior year in 2003, he recorded 10 shutouts in 18 matches and a 0.60 goals against average on his way to being named West Coast Conference’s Goalkeeper of the Year and First-Team All-West Coast Conference. During his junior year, Cronin played in nine games (all starts) and earned two shutouts. In his first year with the Broncos in 2001, Cronin backstopped the team on ten ocassions, earning three shutouts and a 0.79 goals-against average. He also made five appearances as a field player, recording one goal and two assists. From 1998 to 2003, Cronin spent time with the U-17, U-18 and U-20 U.S. National Teams.

Name: Steve Cronin
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-3
Weight: 197
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: 5/28/83
Age: 26
Hometown: Fair Oaks, CA
Citizenship: U.S.
Last Club: Portland Timbers (USL-1)
Acquired: Signed on 10/12/09 to short-term loan.

What do you think? As DC fan are you dismayed that Wicks is out or do you think Cronin is a suitable replacement? What changes need to come in the long-term if DC United can’t make the playoffs? What players need to stay or go? Who could replace them? What about the Front Office and possible replacements?

-Patrick Beatty