December 14, 2009
Becoming the first player to jump from their team straight to Major League Soccer, midfielder Tiyiselani “Tiyi” Shipalane of the Harrisburg City Islanders of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division was acquired Monday by DC United.
Shipalane, the USL2′s 2009 Rookie of the Year and a First Team All-League pick, played 18 games for the City Islanders, scoring six goals and six assists.
He was loaned to United after the 2009 USL2 season and played in three games of the CONCACAF Champions League during his stint. After impressing team officials, DC exercised the option to purchase his rights.
Before joining Harrisburg, Shipalane played three seasons with the Michigan Bucks in the USL Premier Development League.
He was a three-time All-American and the 2006 National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics Region XI Player of the Year at Lindsey Wilson College.
