DC United shakes up defense with Luis Barraza signing for 2025 MLS season

DC United announced the acquisition of goalkeeper Luis Barraza from New York City FC. The Washington club paid $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), with another $100,000 possible if the player reaches specific performance goals. At 28, Barraza is viewed as a fundamental piece to raise the team's defensive level to compete at a high level in MLS 2025.

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Solid career and valuable experience

Luis Barraza is no stranger to Major League Soccer. Since being tabbed as the 12th overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by NYCFC, the goalkeeper has had a consistent career in the league. Over six seasons, he accumulated 38 appearances across all competitions and recorded 9 clean sheets.

The pinnacle of his time in NYCFC was the 2023 season, when he took over as starting goalkeeper, playing 24 MLS matches, making 62 saves, and registering 4 clean sheets. Barraza showed composure under pressure and quick decision-making abilities.

At NYCFC, Barraza had also made history, participating in achievements like the 2021 MLS Cup and the 2022 Campeones Cup, proving he is used to important moments.

DC United bets on a goalkeeper rebuild

The goalkeeping department at DC United was in urgent need of restructuring. After deciding not to renew with Alex Bono and Tyler Miller, the club began its search for new names to reinforce the position. Barraza, with his experience and proven record, comes as the natural candidate to compete for the starting role.

DC United's General Manager, Ally Mackay, has commented on the player's importance: "Luis is a talented goalkeeper with experience in the league over the last six seasons with New York City FC. We’re excited to welcome Luis to the team and strengthen our goalkeeping depth ahead of the 2025 season."

Along with Barraza, the club signed Jordan Farr, previously of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, for depth and to create competition for the starting role. That competition could be what pushes the level of both keepers up.

What does Luis Barraza bring to DC United?

Barraza is a goalkeeper with important technical qualities. He has the right combination of agility, sharp reflexes, and calmness in critical moments. Even with the limited options he had in his last season at NYCFC, he showed consistency. One of his best examples was his match against Querétaro FC in the 2024 Leagues Cup: with 10 saves, he helped New York City FC go through the penalty shootout.

This accumulated experience, together with his time in the NCAA for Marquette University and in USL League Two with teams like Lane United and FC Tucson, prepared him for greater challenges.

The moment for DC United

DC United have not been in the MLS Cup Playoffs since 2019, so 2025 is going to be a pivotal period in the tenure of head coach Troy Lesesne. While the front office works tirelessly to improve the roster at each position, signing Barraza is another move in the right direction.

Barraza brings experience and reliability to the position. His calm demeanor and readiness to compete for the starting role can provide the stability DC United has lacked.

With the new MLS season looming, Barraza's addition is part of a broader plan to make DC United competitive again. Fans are hopeful this key reinforcement will be the beginning of a long-awaited return to playoff contention.