Donovan Pines


Donovan C. Pines is an American soccer player who plays as a defender for D.C. United in Major League Soccer. Pines previously played college soccer for the University of Maryland, and for D.C. United's Academy.

Career

Youth and college

Pines played soccer for River Hill High School before attending University of Maryland College Park. Pines played three years of college soccer for the Terrapins and was a starter all three years at Maryland where he made 56 appearances, and scored 3 goals. At the end of the 2016 NCAA Division I men's soccer season, he was honored with Big Ten All-Freshman Team recognition. He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team his sophomore year, before having a breakout season his junior year. Concluding the 2018 NCAA Division I men's soccer season, he was part of the national championship-winning Maryland team. Individually, Pines was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, the Top Drawer Soccer Best XI, as well as the College Cup All-Tournament Team.

Professional

Concluding the 2018 NCAA soccer season, Pines was linked to several European clubs, but ultimately signed a homegrown contract with D.C. United on January 18, 2019.
Ahead of the 2019 USL Championship season, Pines went on a season-long loan to D.C. United's reserve side, Loudoun United FC. Pines made his professional soccer debut on March 9, 2019 for Loudoun United in a 0–2 loss to Nashville SC. Pines played the entire match.
Pines made his Major League Soccer debut with D.C. United on April 13, 2019 against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. He played the full 90 minutes and recorded an assist to Luciano Acosta in a 3-2 win over the Rapids. On April 28, 2019, in a game against Minnesota United, Pines scored what would've been his first goal for D.C. United but it was disallowed by VAR due to a foul during the play. In early May, Pines sprained a ligament in his knee after a 3-1 win against the Columbus Crew. He returned from his injury on June 26, 2019.

Honors

Individual