1998 MLS Rookie of the Year Ben Olsen has signed a five-year contract with MLS that will keep him with D.C. United through 2003. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Olsen will no longer be a member of Project-40. Thus, the 21-year-old midfielder will count against the league’s 20-man roster limit. “It’s thrilling that a player of Ben’s caliber — and age — is one that we can count on being here for the next five years,” said D.C. United GM Kevin Payne. “We’re extremely excited by the prospect of continuing to watch Ben in United colors as his professional career blossoms.” Olsen was D.C. United’s first Project-40 allocation prior to the beginning of the 1998 season. He went on to play in 31 of D.C.’s 32 games, as well as all six postseason matches and all five international matches in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Interamerican Cup. “This deal is a significant step for both parties,” said D.C. coach Thomas Rongen. “The commitment of the league to engage in a long-term deal like this is, I think, extraordinary. It shows we want to keep our top young players here in this country playing professionally. But it’s also very important for Ben, in that it shows our commitment to him.”