D.C. United have re-signed out of contract midfielder Jared Jeffrey after the Texas native enjoyed a breakout season in the center of midfield in 2016. Capable of playing as either an “8” or a “6”, Jeffrey set career highs in nearly every statistical category, including appearances, starts, minutes played, goals (tied) and shots.

“Jared is coming off of his best season at our club. He proved that he can be an impact player in the central midfield through his work rate, tenacity and ability to connect passes,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. "We look forward to a strong 2017 and beyond from Jared.”

Jeffrey, 26, is coming off a career year, making 21 appearances and scoring two goals, including a 92nd-minute equalizer against Real Salt Lake on July 1. He scored his second goal of the year against Toronto FC on July 23 and possessed the third-highest passing accuracy on the team (minimum 600 passes).

In four seasons in Washington, the central midfielder has appeared in 53 matches across all competitions (43 in MLS) and scored 5 goals. After being acquired on a waiver draft on July 3, 2013, from German side FSV Mainz 05, he made his debut for the Black-and-Red on July 27 against the New England Revolution. Jeffrey scored his first goal for United a month later on August 3.