[HOMEGROWN WATCH] Michael Seaton made history as the first player born after the launch of MLS in 1996 to sign with the league. D.C. United signed the Jamaican-born striker, who doesn't turn 17 until May 1, as a homegrown signing.

Seaton, who played in D.C. United's last Reserve League match of the 2012 campaign, becomes the fifth homegrown player on United’s roster, joining 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid, midfielder Conor Shanosky and defender Ethan White.
 
“Michael has made big strides in a short amount of time in our Academy system and he is ready to take the next step,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper in a statement. “As an attacking player, Michael has an excellent work rate and is a real handful for opposing defenses. He will have some terrific mentors in Dwayne De Rosario and Chris Pontius, and [Coach] Ben [Olsen] and his staff will have another young player with an upside to integrate into the first team.”
 
Seaton, a product of Freestate Soccer Alliance, was the leading scorer (12 goals) for the U-15 pre-academy team and the co-leading scorer (14 goals) for the U-16s, guiding the team to a final eight finish in the 2012 playoffs. He has appeared in nine academy games (seven starts) this season, tallying three goals.

Seaton has duel citizenship between the U.S. and Jamaica and has played for Jamaica's U-17 national team.

2013 Homegrown Signings
Columbus:
M Wil Trapp (Akron)
D Chad Barson (Akron)
FC Dallas:
F Bradlee Baladez (South Carolina)
D London Woodberry (Maryland)
D.C. United:
F Michael Seaton (academy)
Los Angeles:
D Oscar Sorto (academy)
F Gyasi Zardes (CSU Bakersfield)
New York:
G Santiago Castano (academy)
F Amando Moreno (academy)
New England:
M Scott Caldwell (Akron)
Portland:
F Steven Evans (Portland)
Seattle
D Andre Yeldin (Akron)