With the league's transfer window now open, United is seeking to bolster the roster through international signings and trades before the Aug. 9 deadline. It has taken interest in Bolivian international Bruno Miranda, a 19-year-old forward for Universidad de Chile, but is pursuing other avenues, as well.

United (5-11-3) is tied with expansion Minnesota United for the fewest points (18) in the 22-team league, is last in scoring (14 goals) and has scored in only seven of 19 matches. D.C. has lost three straight and four of five heading into next Wednesday's visit to reigning champion Seattle.

Related: [D.C. fans might not see much of Messi, Suarez, Neymar on Barcelona’s U.S. tour]

Last month, United sold Sierra Leone striker Alhaji Kamara, who had been primarily on loan to the second-division Richmond Kickers, to Saudi club Al Taawoun for $250,000. (The club kept two-thirds of the transfer fee; the rest went to MLS.)

Ortiz's days were numbered since the struggling MLS club acquired Jamaican forward Deshorn Brown last month. Another forward, Patrick Mullins, is set to return from knee surgery this summer.

Ortiz, 25, scored in his first start, against Philadelphia on April 1, but failed to provide the menace and quality that United sought in the penalty area (eight shots on goal in league play). He ended up starting seven league matches and two U.S. Open Cup games. He scored against New England in the Open Cup round of 16 two weeks ago at Harvard University.

Twice, Ortiz was disciplinary by the league for simulation/embellishment. The first time, against Chicago on May 20, he was fined. A week later, after drawing a penalty kick with a second-half dive during a 1-0 victory at Vancouver, the MLS disciplinary committee issued a one-game suspension and fine.

Steven Goff has covered soccer for The Washington Post since the early 1990s. His beats include D.C. United, MLS and the U.S. national teams. He has been on assignment at every World Cup since 1994, plus four Women's World Cups.

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