For midfielder Stephen King, last week's move back to the Metropolitan area was a homecoming of sorts. King was acquired by United from the Seattle Sounders in exchange for the club's 2011 MLS SuperDraft second round selection. The Black-and-Red have gained a diligent box-to-box player who boasts two years of MLS experience with Seattle and Chicago, along with a distinguished career at the University of Maryland. King leads the Terps in all-time starts (93), and as we found out from the newly acquired midfielder, he is happy to be back on familiar ground. The New Jersey native is pleased to be close to home, and he is eager to make an impact for United. King is renowned for his work rate and passing ability, and last week when he came on as a late substitute against New York in his United debut we saw some of those qualities. King is eager to help United turn things around early in the season, and from speaking to him, we know that he will be ready if his name is called.

BTB: Well, the first thing we would like to say to you is welcome back. How does it feel?

King: I'm really excited to be back in the area. I grew up in south Jersey, went to school in Maryland, and I am really familiar with everything around here. I am familiar with D.C. United - growing up I watched the team quite a bit and I know all about the history and the tradition of the club, and I am very excited to be part of that now. 

BTB: You have a diverse MLS background, what separates United from your experiences in Chicago and Seattle?

King: For me I know this team has won a lot of championships, it has had a lot of success and a lot of great players. Growing up here this is the team I am most familiar with from watching games, and so I am really excited to have an opportunity to play for a club that has this much history and this much tradition.

BTB: Your coming into the team during a bad run of form, but many people will tell you the results are not indicative of the positive attitude and dedication in the dressing room. What are your early impressions?

King: You know, every season with every team there are ups and downs, and everyone is staying positive at the moment. I think these guys all realize how close the team is to making things right, and watching the first half of the last game [against New York] I thought we played well and we were a bit unlucky not to finish some of our chances. Once we start doing that [finishing scoring opportunities] and we are clicking in the final third, I think that this thing will turn around quickly for us.

BTB: MLS is a highly competitive league where any club can claim a result on a given day. Is the length of the season an advantage now that we are struggling early on?

King: Absolutely. MLS is all about streaks and right now we are not doing so well, but it is a long season, and in many ways the most important time to peak is towards the end. Obviously you want to do the right work during the year to put yourself in a strong position, but in the end every team is working towards the playoffs, and we will do what it takes to get this thing on track. We just need to get better every single day in order to turn things around.

BTB: Where are you most comfortable on the field?

King: I am most comfortable in the center of the field, and I am usually a bit more attacking in central midfield. Last game I played in that role, and I am continuing to work with the coaches to understand my role, but I really enjoy playing box-to-box and working hard for the team.

BTB: In last year's U.S. Open Cup run you scored three goals, including two match-winners. You helped the Sounders get to RFK Stadium for the Open Cup final by scoring against Houston in the dying stages of the match- how do you score such timely goals?

King: It is down to being ready for your opportunities - no matter the situation. It doesn't matter if it is an Open Cup match, a League match, etc. I try to always prove myself to the coaching staff and the guys around me that I am here to play and will do whatever it takes. Fortunately I scored some good goals last year, and I am hoping to do the same here for United.