Steven Birnbaum.

By D.C. United

Steven Birnbaum arrived in the District as the second overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft on January 14, 2014. Seven years later, the central defender has become a stalwart in the D.C. United backline and a staple of the community that he now calls home.

The defender reached another career milestone on Wednesday, October 27 in the 1-0 win against New York Red Bulls when he made his 200th career MLS appearance for the Black-and-Red. Donning the captain’s armband, Birnbaum’s performance in the match showcased what has made him such an integral piece of the roster over the last seven seasons after winning 16 aerial duels and making 13 headed clearances to earn United their ninth shutout of the season.

With Birnbaum anchoring the defense, the Black-and-Red will hope that his performance in such a critical match in the playoff race will spur the team forward in the final stretch of the season.