D.C. United Trades For Portland's Mike Chabala; Kurt Morsink Retires

D.C. United made a deal on Thursday to help out their backline as they traded for Mike Chabala from the Portland Timbers in exchange for a 2014 supplemental draft pick. The deal was first reported by Steven Goff of the Washington Post and was soon confirmed by the team.

D.C. United has acquired Mike Chabala from Portland Timbers for a supplemental pick. There's more going on, however. Stay tuned #dcu #mls

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 9, 2012

Chabala has played nine games for the Timbers this season, starting nine, recording total field time of 657 minutes. The helped the Timbers to an overall record of 3-4-2 while with the team. Chabala has also played on Houston Dynamo where he was teammates with United leading scorer Dwayne De Rosario as well as Danny Cruz.

According to Timbers TV play-by-play man John Strong, the time had come for Chabala to experience a change of scenery.

On Chabala: was going to be released end of year anyway, wasn't going to dress, gives him chance to play. Was NOT good locker room presence

— John Strong (@StrongMLS) August 9, 2012

The other news that came out Thursday was the retirement of midfielder Kurt Morsink. Morsink had a six year career in MLS. He was originally drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in the fourth round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. United acquired him before the 2010 season. Morsink will remain with United as the team's scouting coordinator.

Are United going to be able to do any more moves? Head coach Ben Olsen doesn't think so.

Ben Olsen, on potential #dcu future moves: "We're cashed out. This is who we are, and I am okay with that"

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) August 9, 2012

This is most likely the team that United will try to take to the playoffs. United now have to play well the rest of the season and hope for the best come playoff time.