United Notebook
Houston coach Dominic Kinnear already has an eye on the Eastern Conference table
D.C. United held a closed training session Friday morning as the club made final preparations for Saturday's match against the Houston Dynamo. A few notes from around RFK:
NEVER TOO EARLY
While it's easy to brush off a late April match as 'just another game', D.C. United fans should be cautious about underestimating the importance of Saturday's encounter with Houston.
Most might think it too early to start talking standings and - gasp - playoffs, but Saturday's opponents are already in that frame of mind.
D.C. United held a closed training session Friday morning as the club made final preparations for Saturday's match against the Houston Dynamo. A few notes from around RFK:
NEVER TOO EARLY
While it's easy to brush off a late April matchas 'just another game', D.C. United fans should be cautious aboutunderestimating the importance of Saturday's encounter with Houston.
Most might think it too early to start talkingstandings and - gasp - playoffs, but Saturday's opponents are already in thatframe of mind.
"They are all important," saidHouston coach Domnic Kinnear early this week. "It is the sixth game of the season but they have alittle bit of a lead on us in the standings."
Kinnear's early focus on the Eastern Conferencetable is far from premature. OnMay 15 of last year, the Black-and-Red sat sixth in the Eastern Conference,just one spot ahead of where the club finished the 2011 regular season. United are presently in second placeheading into the weekend, a marked improvement as D.C.approaches the one-quarter mark of its schedule.
TALL TASK
How do you improve upon a hat trick?
That's the question facing Chris Pontius afterhis brilliant performance against New York last Sunday. The midfielder-turned-forward spentmuch of practice this week doing some 'on the job' training for his newposition.
"I still have a lot to learn," the24-year-old admitted on Thursday. "The runs are different, and you basically play with your back togoal a lot of times. I have to bestronger on the ball and just learn to play off whoever is up there."
Pontius' hat trick pushed him into a four-waytie for fourth place on the MLS scoring charts. Of the league's top scorers, the Californian is one of themost efficient, scoring his four goals on just eleven shots.
BACK IN THE MIX
Holding midfielder Marcelo Saragosa rejoined the club on Wednesday after returning to Brazil following his father's sudden passing two weeks ago. On Friday, D.C. head coach Ben Olsenwouldn't say whether Saragosa would be available for selection on Saturday, butseemed optimistic.
"He looks fine," United's taskmasterreplied when asked about Saragosa's fitness.
The Brazilian's return is a welcome boost for a United centralmidfield that needs some depth. Since returning from Olympic qualifying duty - where he played three matchesin five days - Perry Kitchen has been on the field for every minute of D.C.'slast five contests.
D.C. captain Dwayne De Rosario shares hometown with Caps' hero Ward
Dwayne De Rosario and Joel Ward
When Capitals' Right Wing Joel Ward scored nearly three minutes into overtime to seal Washington's Game 7 win over Boston, most of D.C. exploded in celebration. United captain Dwayne De Rosario - who attended two of the three first-round playoff games at Verizon Center - was no different.
"I was yelling," DeRo said of his reaction to Ward's game-winning effort. "I was sitting there watching the game and I was like - Joel scored - [There might have been] a couple profanities in there."
Introduced by a mutual friend, Ward and De Rosario have actually known each other for years. The pair hail from the working-class Toronto suburb of Scarborough, Ontario and both have Caribbean roots. Ward's parents are originally from Barbados, while De Rosario is the son of Guyanese immigrants to Canada.
"To have a fellow Torontonian doing big things for D.C. is good," said the reigning Volkswagen MLS MVP. "I'm happy for him."
As a youngster, De Rosario was a big fan of the dominant Edmonton Oilers teams of the 1980's. While he admits to still being a supporter of his struggling hometown Maple Leafs, DeRo quickly adopted the Caps after moving to Washington last summer.
Apparently, United's captain knows a thing or two about hockey as he correctly picked both the outcome and exact score of Game 7 earlier in the week. For proof, check out Tuesday's practice notes.
Before being traded to D.C., Danny Cruz spent his first three MLS seasons in Houston
Just over 48 hours from Saturday's Armed Forces and Veterans Appreciation Day showdown with the Houston Dynamo, D.C. United underwent a brief training session Thursday morning. Here are a few notes from the training grounds outside RFK.
FINDING THE ELEVEN
Much has been written of late about thedifficult decisions Ben Olsen has had to make in light of thebetter-than-expected play D.C. is getting out of players who started the 2012season on the bench. Nick DeLeon,Danny Cruz, Maicon Santos, Emiliano Dudar and Joe Willis have all earnedstarting spots despite being reserves less than two months ago against KansasCity. With so many choices Olsenhas shown an early willingness to mix up his line-up, but that may soon change.
"I hope we can get a consistent team outthere that has a very good rhythm," United's coach said this week. "But if we go down a guy or two or[have] suspensions or something like that we are covered."
Whatever issues might arise from having morecapable players than the minutes to satisfy them all are outweighed by thelessons Olsen learned in 2011.
"We've been caught with having 12 or 13[options]," he added. "Then you get a couple of injuries and now you are down the rosterand you are relying on guys that probably shouldn't be out there."
» Create and share your starting XI for Saturday vs Houston Dynamo.
CRUZ ON HOUSTON
All week Danny Cruz has faced questions aboutpreparing to face his former team, and the emotional winger has acknowledgedthe need to keep his feelings in check when kickoff comes Saturday night.
While Cruz has said he has no ill-will towardshis former club, the 22-year-old isn't denying the extra motivation he's foundin looking to prove that Houston's decision to trade him away was the wrongchoice.
"I was a big piece of that puzzle,"Cruz noted. "But, I was alwaysswept under the rug - I felt like - and it's hard when you don't feel like you aregetting a little bit of respect."
Cruz isn't exaggerating his role with theDynamo. After he was re-insertedinto the starting lineup following a 1-1 draw with Chicago on October 1 of last year, Houstonwon five straight matches before falling 1-0 to Los Angeles in MLSCup.
With a valuable three points locked away thanks to Sunday's dominant performance, D.C. United returned to training on Tuesday. Here are a few notes from the late morning session.
OLYMPIC DRAW
While D.C. United trained early Tuesday morning, the Olympic soccer draw took place a half-world away at Wembley Stadium. The Black-and-Red's lone representative in London will be Andy Najar, who has said previously that he thinks his Honduran side could medal.
Los Catrachos will be paired with Spain, Japan and Morocco in Group D. Spain won the Under-21 European Championship last year and Najar already has his heart set on proving himself against some of the best young talent in the world.
"Spain is a team that has players who have proven themselves from a very young age," Najar said Tuesday in a Spanish Language interview. "It's going to be a great experience for us to play against them. That game will give us all great ambition to prove ourselves in Europe. We will show what we can do and leave it all on the field."
Spain and Honduras will meet on July 29 in Newcastle.
NEAL JOINS ROTATION
With full-fledged battles for playing time occurring all over the field, United supporters may have been surprised to see the unheralded Lewis Neal brought on as a sub in each of the Black-and-Red's two most recent matches. After training on Tuesday, Neal discussed the competitive atmosphere in which the Englishman has stood out enough to earn back-to-back appearances.
"The staff are watching us closely in training and the standards of training have been very high these last few weeks," said Neal, who replaced Chris Pontius in the 88th minute against New York. "Everybody is fighting for a place and nobody wants to lose their [spot]. For those of us who don't have [a starting spot] we are working our socks off to try and get one. It's making for an all-around good team spirit and everyone wanting to do their best to try and keep their [spot]."
CAPS FEVER
As United prepares for its Saturday evening showdown with Eastern Conference foe Houston, D.C.'s players are keeping a close eye on the Washington Capitals playoff run. Defender Perry Kitchen caught the hockey bug while joining Nick DeLeon and Danny Cruz at the Verizon Center for Game 3 of the Boston - Washington series.
"This is new," admitted Kitchen of his fascination with hockey. "I mean I've watched it a little bit before, but it's really growing on me."
One United player who has become a regular at the Verizon Center is midfielder/forward Chris Pontius. During his four years in Washington, Pontius - who like Kitchen did not grow up a hockey fan - has quickly transformed into an ardent Caps' supporter.
"I would say that it's very similar in the way that it's played," noted Pontius, comparing hockey to soccer. "The free flowing play [is similar], but hockey is a little bit faster."
"I think the Caps are going to beat them. I think 2-1," added Dwayne De Rosario - a lifelong hockey fan - when asked for a Game 7 prediction. "I don't know what it is, but I think the Caps play better away from home."
DC's players make their predictions for Saturday's Real Madrid - Barcelona clash
After a day off on Thursday, United's players returned to RFK for a full training session Friday morning. A few updates from the practice pitch:
DUDAR LATEST
After missing Wednesday night's draw with Montreal while recovering from a strained hamstring, Emiliano Dudar practiced fully on Friday. Dudar said after practice that he expected to be ready on Sunday, which would provide some much needed experience along D.C.'s back four. Following the session, Ben Olsen spoke about his decision to hold the Argentine out against Montreal.
After a day off on Thursday, United's players returned to RFK for a full training session Friday morning. A few updates from the practice pitch:
DUDAR LATEST
After missing Wednesday night's draw withMontreal while recovering from a strained hamstring, Emiliano Dudar practicedfully on Friday. Dudar said afterpractice that he expected to be ready on Sunday, which would provide some muchneeded experience along D.C.'s back four. Following the session, Ben Olsen spoke about his decision to hold theArgentine out against Montreal.
"He maybe could have got through the lastgame," Olsen acknowledged. "But with Dejan [Jakovic] out we decided to let him get another dayor two to fully recover."
Jakovic's absence following an ankle sprainleaves D.C. with little depth in defense. Should Dudar return, Robbie Russell would likely return to his morecomfortable spot as a right back after occupying a central role against the Impact.
BURNING THE BULLS
Of the four MLS teams that employed Dwayne DeRosario before his arrival in D.C., none has managed to escape the reigningleague MVP's wrath. DeRo alwaysseems to save his best performances for former clubs and Sunday willprovide him another opportunity against a New York side that traded him awaylast June.
"I don't know why that is, I can't put myfinger on it," DeRo responded when asked about his track record againstformer employers. "I'm definitelyover all that stuff that went on last year. It's a new year, a new season. The main thing now is getting our guys [totally]focused."
De Rosario earned the 2011 Volkswagen MLS MVPthanks to the thirteen goals he scored after being traded to Washington, andsix of those tallies came against teams for which he once played. DeRo found the net against Toronto (hattrick), San Jose (twice) and notched the game-winner against the Red Bulls justtwelve days after they had shipped him south.
EL CLASICO PREDICTIONS
With their showdown against New York slated forSunday, many of United's players will be watching another classic this weekend as Real Madrid and Barcelona face off in a match that will go a long way toward determining La Liga's champion.
We asked a few playersfor predictions on the Saturday afternoon affair:
Brandon McDonald: Barcelona
Comment: "Anybody who knows anything aboutfootball will take Barcelona. Theyare the team of our generation."
Maicon Santos: Barcelona
Comment (translated): "I don't know whatthe final score will be, because with Barca you never know."
Dwayne De Rosario: Barcelona
Comment: "Barca all the way baby. I'vealways liked Barca since I was a kid. The football they play, I admire it.
Emiliano Dudar: Barcelona
Comment (translated): "Barcelona becausethey are the better team and because Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant and I can'tstand him!"
Danny Cruz: Real Madrid
Comment: "Because everyone loves Barcelona."
D.C. forward Josh Wolff has played alongside Montreal's coach and its captain
Less than 48 hours removed from a road win against New England, D.C. United’s players were back at work early Monday morning. Though Mondays are usually off days for the Black-and-Red, Ben Olsen and his crew must prepare for a quick turnaround with Wednesday night’s clash against Montreal looming. Here are a few notes from around RFK.
INJURY UPDATE
Less than 48 hours removed from a road win against NewEngland, D.C. United’s players were back at work early Monday morning. Though Mondays are usually off days forthe Black-and-Red, Ben Olsen and his crew must prepare for a quick turnaroundwith Wednesday night’s clash against Montreal looming. Here are a few notes from around RFK.
INJURY UPDATE
While United’s central defense has taken some hits over thelast week, there was one hopeful sign at Monday’s training session. Ethan White worked separately on someconditioning and ball-work exercises, showing signs of tangible improvement in hissurgically repaired right knee. White underwent surgery on March 13 and was expected to miss around sixweeks.
Also working off to the side was fellow central defenderEmiliano Dudar, who strained his left hamstring late last week. The Argentine was jogging on Monday andhis condition is improving although it is still unclear whether he’ll beavailable against the Impact.
Dejan Jakovic, who came off injured in the 60thminute against New England, did not practice.
FAMILIAR FOE
Though there isn’t much videotape on Montreal, D.C. willhave some intimate knowledge of the Impact when the expansion side visits RFKon Wednesday. In addition toplaying alongside Montreal coach Jesse Marsch for five seasons in Chicago, Unitedforward Josh Wolff played with Impact captain Davy Arnaud during his two stintsin Kansas City. After training,Wolff was quick to point out Arnaud’s imprint on the Impact.
“He’s the captain and I think they live and breathe by hisexample,” Wolff said Monday of his former teammate. “They fight, and they get around the ball a lot. It is something that we are going toneed to be aware of.”
Wolff and Arnaud played together from 2003 to 2006 and againfrom 2008 to 2010. In fact, thepair tallied their first goals for Kansas City on the same day as both playersscored in a 2-1 win over the then New York MetroStars on June 8, 2003.
TALON AT THE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
United's lovable mascot Talon participated in the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday as part of the Events DC float.
Playing with heavy hearts, D.C. United managed a difficult road win in New England
D.C. United pulled off an inspiring win Saturday night in New England. Here are some leftovers from the comeback victory at Gillette Stadium.
MARCELO ON THEIR MINDS
When United's players were told early Saturday morning that Marcelo Saragosa's father had passed away unexpectedly in Brazil, the Black-and-Red were - to a man - devastated for their teammate. D.C. entered the match with heavy hearts and with Saragosa not far from their thoughts.
D.C. United pulled off an inspiring winSaturday night in New England. Here are some leftovers from the comeback victory at Gillette Stadium.
MARCELO ON THEIR MINDS
When United's players were told early Saturdaymorning that Marcelo Saragosa's father had passed away unexpectedly in Brazil,the Black-and-Red were - to a man - devastated for their teammate. D.C. entered the match with heavyhearts and with Saragosa not far from their thoughts.
"When one of our brothers is going throughsomething like that we all feel his pain," said captain Dwayne DeRosario. "We definitelywanted to go and win this game for him and his family, and I'm grateful we wereable to do that. Now, when helooks at the game sheet he'll see that we won and hopefully it will put alittle smile on his face."
It may not have been easy to pick out on thebroadcast, but - in tribute to the popular midfielder and his father - D.C.wore a black armband against the Revolution.
KING ON CALL
As Saragosa was planning his return trip toBrazil, Ben Olsen was scrambling for a replacement to fill out D.C.'s matchdayroster. Stephen King was the manager'schoice, but at first, Olsen couldn't get a hold of the steady midfielder.
At dinner in Arlington with his fiancée andsome friends, King checked his phone at around 8:30 Friday night and saw thathe had two missed calls from his head coach. After confirming his availability, the 26-year-old made abeeline for the airport where a 10:00 p.m. flight took him to Providence. From there he took a cab to the teamhotel in Foxborough, where King settled in for a few hours of sleep before a7:00 a.m. wake-up call on Saturday.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
For the second straight week, the back fourthat finished the match for United wasn't the same group that started it. Dejan Jakovic's second-half injuryforced Robbie Russell to move inside and Chris Korb to come off the bench. Just like they did against Seattle lastSaturday, D.C.'s makeshift back line held firm in the second half.
"It isn't an ideal situation but it is asource of pride that we came together and did well," Russell said. "Hopefully we can keep four guysout there for ninety minutes and get back to a unit that works welltogether."
"We believe in our subs," addedOlsen. "No matter who westart we think we have a group off the bench that can really change thegame."
In addition to praising Russell for his versatility, Olsen singledout Korb, telling reporters after the match that the second-year defender'brought a lot to the game'.
A few notes as D.C. United prepares for the club's lone road match in April
After a rare day off on Wednesday, United's players were back at RFK Thursday for preparations ahead of Friday's departure for New England. Afterwards, we caught up on some of the key storylines ahead of Saturday's Eastern Conference clash.
PLAYERS ONLY
About halfway through Thursday’s intense training session,captain Dwayne De Rosario called a players-only huddle at midfield. Though he didn’t discuss the specificsof what was said, veteran defender Robbie Russell spoke after practice aboutthe message shared during the brief meeting.
“It’s an attempt by DeRo to get us together and voice someopinions when we get choppy with each other,” said Russell. “[He’s] trying to keep us on point andfocused and that we are all working together towards one goal. Sometimes tempers get heated but that’snot what is important, it’s the objective that’s important.”
When United visits New England on Saturday it will be apseudo-homecoming for Russell, who spent most of his teen years in Amherst,Massachusetts. Despite coming offinjured against Seattle, Russell trained fully Thursday and should be fit forselection in New England.
EL 'DUDE'
Since defender Emiliano Dudar’s inclusion in the startingeleven, United have allowed just a single goal over the club’s last threematches. Despite multiple changesalong D.C.’s back line against Seattle, the experienced Argentine was able toefficiently organize the Black-and-Red’s defensive efforts.
“Sure, there were changes, but every player who had to stepin has shown that they are capable,” Dudar said Thursday in a Spanish-languageinterview. “Judging from what Isee in practice, I think each player on this team can play at a high enough levelto be a starter.”
Since replacing Dejan Jakovic at halftime against LosAngeles, Dudar has not missed a single minute while patrolling the center of D.C.’sdefense.
HAMID CONTINUES TO IMPROVE
Bill Hamid was back to his old tricks on Thursday, showingno ill effects from the ankle injury that has hobbled him since returning fromOlympic qualifying duty. Duringone particularly impressive sequence, Hamid denied both Hamdi Salihi and ChrisPontius from point-blank range in a rapid-fire finishing drill.
“Bill looked good,” Head Coach Ben Olsen acknowledgedafterwards. “He made some prettyimpressive saves today. I think he’sstill getting his feet under him from the injury, but he looks good.”
Although the coach wouldn’t go as far as to name a starter, Olsendid confirm after practice that Hamid would join Joe Willis in D.C.'s traveling goalie contingent to New England.
A few storylines from around RFK as United players earn a day off
United's players were given a rare day off on Wednesday as the team prepares for Saturday's road trip to New England. Here are a few storylines from around RFK as the club prepares for Friday's departure to Boston.
WOOLARD STILL WORKING
Despite the fact that United’s players were given the day off, Daniel Woolard was spotted early Wednesday morning in D.C.’s locker room. The young defender has played extremely well of late, and will be the cover feature on the club’s Matchday program April 18.
United's players were given a rare day off on Wednesday as the team prepares for Saturday's road trip to New England. Here are a few storylines from around RFK as the club prepares for Friday's departure to Boston.
WOOLARD STILL WORKING
Despite the fact that United’s players were given the dayoff, Daniel Woolard was spotted early Wednesday morning in D.C.’s lockerroom. The young defender hasplayed extremely well of late, and will be the cover feature on the club’sMatchday program April 18.
Below is an excerpt from the article on Woolard, whichchronicles his amazing journey from seldom-recruited high school back to MLSstarter:
"After the last game of our season, I'm thinking I'm fine withmy career being over," Woolard admitted of his attitude followingMidwestern State's elimination from the 2006 NCAA Division II Tournament. "I was thinking morerealistic. I had to finish mydegree and start thinking about what I wanted to do in the working world.”
Woolard is tied for third on United in minutes played so farthis season, trailing only Robbie Russell and Dwayne De Rosario.
COMPETITION EVERYWHERE
With Bill Hamid’s return to practice earlier this week,United now has two proven goalkeepers to choose from in the coming weeks. Though Ben Olsen wouldn't discussspecifics after Tuesday’s training session, D.C.'s coach did acknowledge a heightened competition for multiple spots in his starting eleven.
Later Tuesday afternoon, Joe Willis stopped by the CapitalSoccer Show studios for an interview and spoke briefly on Hamid’s return andthe current goalkeeping situation.
“He's a great goalie," Willis said of his teammate. "As an athlete you always want to play. It’s always upsetting to sit on the bench, but I trust thecoaches’ decisions.
I feel capable of playing and I also have confidence in Bill.”
HOLIDAY HEROES
On Monday, a foursome of United representatives made their way to the WhiteHouse Easter Egg Roll. Robbie Russell, Stephen King and Chris Pontius joined head coach BenOlsen in celebrating the 134th installment of the annual tradition.
“How many times do you get to say you went to the White Houseand play with kids out on the lawn?” Pontius told MLSsoccer.com. “We’rebasically just getting them moving, keeping them occupied. We’re just trying tomake it fun for the kids.”
Though D.C.'s attendees had the shortest commute, the Black-and-Red weren’t the only MLS side represented at 1600Pennsylvania Avenue. Members ofthe Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls were also in attendance,including former D.C. midfielder Brian Carroll.
Former D.C. defender Marc Burch took a shot at Daniel Woolard earlier this week
In advance of Saturday night's match against Seattle, D.C. United took their training inside RFK on Thursday. Afterwards, we caught up on a few of storylines from the week.
MAN OF FEW WORDS
Former D.C. defender Marc Burch provided plenty of locker room material with his quotes earlier this week. Perhaps most noteworthy was Burch’s assertion that he is better than United’s current left back.
In advance of Saturday night's match against Seattle, D.C. United took their training inside RFK on Thursday. Afterwards, we caught up on a few of storylines from the week.
MAN OF FEW WORDS
Former D.C. defender Marc Burch provided plenty of locker roommaterial with his quotes earlier this week. Perhaps most noteworthy was Burch’s assertion that he isbetter than United’s current left back.
It would seem to be a thinly veiled shot at Daniel Woolard, who nowoccupies the left back spot in the Black-and-Red defense. Offered the chance to respond on Thursday, the quiet defender had little to say.
“It is what it is,” said Woolard. “I’m just trying to go out there and win the game for our fansand get three points.”
Unwilling to bite on the first question, the 27-year-old wasgiven yet another opportunity to engage in Burch’s war of words when asked if hewas surprised by his former teammates’ comments.
“No comment,” Woolardadded with a wry smile and a laugh.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
After not playing since the first half of United’s 3-1 lossto Los Angeles on March 18, Dejan Jakovic should get an opportunity to play thisSaturday. Though BrandonMcDonald’s absence is far from ideal, this serves as yet another reminder why adding depth was atop D.C.’s offseason improvement list. After Thursday’s training session, Jakovic acknowledged thatcommunication would be key when he steps in for McDonald against Seattle.
“I have a chance to come in and help the team get anotherwin, that’s the way I’m looking atit,” said the Canadian International. “We have to make sure we are on the same page. We’ve had a bunch of different lineups, so justcommunication and being on the same page is important.”
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL VISIT
After learning of a local youth soccer player undergoingtreatment at Children’s Hospital in D.C., United midfielder Kurt Morsinkdecided to pay the youngster a visit late last week.
While professional athletes often give their time forsimilar causes, Morsink noted that he was particularly impacted by this trip. After practiceThursday, the 27-year-old shared his experience.
“It just changed the way I view life,” Morsink explained. “It makes us realizehow lucky we are and how we have to go out of our way to be even better rolemodels. That on the field stuff isgreat, but if we can be good people as well that’s more important. As D.C. United players we take pride inbeing good on the field and off the field as well.”