Jon Kempin traded from Columbus Crew SC to DC United for SuperDraft pick

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Trade

D.C. United have acquired goalkeeper Jon Kempin via trade with Columbus Crew SC in exchange for their natural third-round pick (58th overall) in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, the clubs announced Friday.

Kempin was the third-string goalkeeper for Columbus in 2020 as they won MLS Cup. He’s been in MLS since 2010, playing in 22 regular-season games (21 starts).

“Jon has 11 years of professional experience and it will be an important element to add to our roster ahead of the 2021 season,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said in a release. “We are looking forward to giving Jon a fresh start in MLS and an opportunity to compete with our other goalkeepers.”

Kempin gives D.C. a third goalkeeper alongside Bill Hamid and Chris Seitz. Hamid is part of the US men’s national team pool, while Seitz re-signed earlier this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Black-and-Red. As for the Crew, they have Eloy Room as the presumed starter and Evan Bush and Matt Lampson in reserve roles.

“We would like to thank Jon for his contributions and dedication to Columbus Crew SC during his three seasons with the Club,” Crew SC president & general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a release. “We wish him all the best in this next stage of his career.”

Kempin spent 2010-16 at Sporting Kansas City as a Homegrown signing before joining the the LA Galaxy for 2017. He featured in a combined eight games between 2018-19 for Columbus, though didn’t see any game action last year. The 27-year-old Kansas native has also played on loan at various USL clubs during his professional career.