Today, D.C. United and affiliate team the Richmond Kickers announced the first three players to report to the USL Pro side. As part of the extended partnership, in 2014 D.C. United will send a minimum of four players to Richmond. The first three reports will be Joe Willis, Collin Martin, and Christiano Francois. The trio will depart Charleston today and meet up with their teammates ahead of Richmond's match on Saturday against the Maryland Terps. The three will return to D.C. United next week, ahead of D.C. United's Home Opener (March 8, 7:00 p.m. - BUY TICKETS).

2014 will be Joe Willis' third season with D.C. United. The goalkeeper has played in 23 matches for the Black-and-Red and made 71 saves, including a memorable penalty kick save against the New York Red Bulls in the 2012 playoffs. Collin Martin was United's sixth Homegrown signing. The midfielder joined DCU in July 2013 after one season with Wake Forest University. Christiano Francois, a forward from Haiti, signed on with D.C. this offseason. The former University of Maryland player hopes to impress while in Richmond.