D.C. United announced today that it will select former University of Virginia midfielder Jason Moore with the first overall pick in the 1999 MLS college draft. Moore, 20, declared himself eligible
for the MLS draft in December after playing 46 games in his two-year career at UVa. He helped the Cavaliers to the NCAA final in 1997 and to the quarterfinals in 1998. "Jason has tremendous work
ethic and is technically very gifted, which is something you don't often see," said D.C. United coach Thomas Rongen. "He shows you a lot on the ball, yet he's also willing to do the dirty work you
have to do. He can play many positions on the field and will give us depth both on the left side and also centrally." Moore's talent was well-known before he began his college career. Current U.S.
national team coach Bruce Arena named Moore as an alternate to the 1996 Olympic team just months after the Georgia native had graduated from Parkview high school. "Jason Moore is obviously a
special talent. People have been predicting great things for Jason since he was 15 years old," said D.C. United GM Kevin Payne. "This is the fourth college draft in MLS history and I believe it's the
first time that every team in the league would choose the same player with the No. 1 pick. We're fortunate to have that pick." The draft itself will take place on Feb. 7 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
