Chris Durkin poised to make first MLS start for D.C. United

Two years ago, when D.C. United officially signed Chris Durkin to a homegrown contract in June 2016, they had a plan for the youngster. Just 16 at the time, Durkin immediately made his team debut, as the Black-and-Red crashed out of the US Open Cup against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Durkin had a fine performance, but that was the end of his involvement in games with United for the season.

It was part of a plan to help develop Durkin, who would see time with the Richmond Kickers, to go along with his time USA U-17 national team to round out 2016. It was a similar story in 2017, with Durkin playing in the Open Cup win over Christos FC, but spending the rest of his year away, culminating in…