Carlos Llamosa

Born in 1969 in Palmira, Colombia, Mr. Llamosa is now a Defender for the D.C. United Soccer team. Mr. Llamosa moved to the United States in 1991 to join his three brothers and four sisters, who were already living in Queens, New York. He began working at the World Trade Center, and was still working there when it was bombed in 1993. Only an opportune lunch break saw him out of the building when the explosion hit.

Mr. Llamosa emerged onto the U.S. soccer scene in 1997, when he was selected as a first-round pick in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft, making the jump from the Division II A-League All-Star team, the New York Fever. Mr. Llamosa obtained his U.S. citizenship in October of 1998, and was able to play for the USA team a month later, against Australia. But, this was after having battled through a season interrupted by injury.

After starting D.C. United's first three matches in 1998, Mr. Llamosa missed his first match of the year, as he was suffering from the flu when United traveled to Columbus on April 4. He then played the entire 90 minutes in his next match, but was forced to come off April 18 away at New England when he suffered a slight concussion after a clash of heads for a high ball. Mr. Llamosa returned to regular duty for the next month, but his injury woes returned on May 16 when he was forced from the field in the 16th minute after pulling a right hamstring. He missed the next two matches before returning for the first three in June, but re-injured the leg and was lost for the better part of two full months.

Mr. Llamosa has appeared in 43 games in his MLS career. Due to his injuries in 1998, his absences throughout the season were keenly felt. He is still counted upon as a cornerstone in D.C. United's back line, whether in a back three or as a central defender in a flat back four. MLS Coach Bruce Arena has called Mr. Llamosa the best man-to-man marker in Major League Soccer.