Maryland forward Francois signs with MLS

Maryland sophomore Christiano Francois has left the school and signed a professional contract, sources told TopDrawerSoccer.com. Francois will join D.C. United via a waiver draft, according to one source.

Francois missed the 2013 collegiate season due to academics. The former PDA player from Haiti appeared in all 24 games in 2012 for the Terps. He started three games while compiling five goals and four assists over the course of his debut season.

During his time with the Terps, Francois showed moments of brilliance including a breathtaking goal against Duke in ACC play.

Prior to his arrival at College Park, Francois was a star in the prep ranks in New Jersey for St. Benedict’s Prep. He scored 60 goals and dished out 41 assists in two seasons. He was the Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year for New Jersey in 2011-12.