D.C. United have summoned reinforcements in the midst of a busy stretch that will see them play five times in 15 days. And in the process, they have made a dream come true for a 17-year-old boy fighting cancer.
The Eastern Conference leaders announced on Thursday that they have added Francis Wesley to their roster as part of the Make-A-Wish program. He is expected to feature prominently in the club's plans for the May 30 tilt against the Philadelphia Union at RFK Stadium.
Wesley is currently battling a blood cancer known as Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. His dream, from childhood, has been to play professional soccer.
“Francis has all the qualities that we are looking for, including a quiet confidence and limitless potential,” said United general manager Dave Kasper in a statement. “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.”
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A native of Liberia, Wesley found out about his call-up to D.C. United while at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland, on Thursday. He was informed of the selection via a video from D.C. head coach Ben Olsen, and will train with the club and be available for interviews with the press on Friday.
