FC Dallas signs first round draft pick George John to senior roster, waives four

by PegNews wire

FC Dallas today announced that the team has signed first round draft pick George John to the senior roster. The club also announced that it has waived the rights to Jamie Watson, Sean Bucknor, Chase Wileman and Andrew Daniels. Per league rules, all players that were on the roster in 2008 that are not under contract as of today must be waived. Dallas is now both roster and salary cap compliant, with one less player on the current roster than the league maximum of 24.

FCD drafted John with the 14th overall selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. The 6-3 defender made 65 appearances during his four-year career at the University of Washington and was named to the First Team All-Pac-10 in 2007 and 2008.

Watson made one appearance with FC Dallas during the 2008 season. He will continue his trial with FCD in Curitiba, Brazil, where the team is conducting preseason training at the home of Brazilian partner Clube Atletico Paranaense through March 6. Bucknor was originally signed on January 30, 2009 but did not accompany the team to Brazil. Wileman participated in the first two weeks of this year’s training camp, while Daniels did not attend. Both players were under contract from 2007-2008.

FC Dallas will begin the 2009 MLS season on March 21 versus the Chicago Fire at Pizza Hut Park (7:30 p.m. CT).

Source: FC Dallas Communications