DC United acquire South African Shipalane

DC United have acquired South African midfielder Tiyiselani Shipalane on loan from the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Shipalane will serve as a roster replacement for Thabiso “Boyzzz” Khumalo, who has been put on the Disabled List.

“We are pleased to be acquiring Tiyi on loan from Harrisburg for the rest of the 2009 season,” said General Manager Dave Kasper.

“He impressed us in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals this year with his dynamic attacking qualities, and he will add solid cover for us in all competitions.”

Shipalane earned Rookie of the Year honors during his first season at Harrisburg after tallying six goals and six assists for the City Islanders.

Before joining the USL-2 club, the South Africa native spent three seasons playing for the Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League, tallying 11 goals and nine assists in 49 matches. In 2006, Shipalane scored the game-winning goal that gave Michigan the North American PDL Championship.