Dwayne De Rosario Q&A
Only two days removed from a blockbuster trade announcement, one could forgive Dwayne De Rosario for feeling a bit weary as he transitions to a new city and team. However, in his first interview since Monday's deal that sent midfielder Dax McCarty to New York in exchange for the five-time MLS All-Star, De Rosario is anything but fatigued. In fact, United's newly acquired playmaker is feeling energized and excited to join a club that he considers among the most promising sides in Major League Soccer. In his first interview since joining the Black-and-Red, De Rosario outlines his plan for the future, and how he aims to impact United's steady push towards the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Thanks for taking the time, Dwayne. Following Monday's announcement, what are your thoughts on coming to D.C. United and playing for the Black-and-Red?
I’m looking forward to it. D.C. [United] definitely has a rich history and I think that the club wants to build upon the success they’ve had in the past. Hopefully I can help them achieve that this year.
Head Coach Ben Olsen rates you highly and is excited for you to join the club. You also used to play with Pat Onstad and Joseph Ngwenya at various levels. Does it help having a ready-made support system at your new club?
Definitely, especially a guy like Ben [Olsen] who has played in the League and knows what it takes to be successful. As a player he worked hard and had a very successful career. To play for him is a good thing and then when you add a guy like Pat Onstad who I played with on the [Canadian] National Team, Houston and San Jose - these guys know what it takes to win and to be successful. [Ben and Pat] are putting together a great team. When I played for New York and we played D.C. [United] it was a 4-0 game, but when you look at the game D.C. was playing some good soccer and I really like the way Ben and Pat have the team playing right now. It’s a style that I like and I think I’ll fit into nicely.
You mentioned United’s style of play. How do you feel about joining up with attacking talent like Charlie Davies, Chris Pontius, Josh Wolff and Andy Najar?
I’m definitely excited. I’m coming in to share my experience and to work hard. It’s a team effort that makes a good playoff team and carries you further. The main thing right now is getting to know the guys and [building] an understanding with them. It’s about working hard as a team and as a unit to get results. We’re a little bit behind [in the table] but with the youth we have and with the potential that our team holds, there are a lot of points to be made up. I think we have a good team and the ability to [make up those points] as long as we keep the guys motivated, working hard, focused and playing as a unit.
You've built quite the reputation at RFK Stadium over the years. Some have even called you a "United killer." What are your thoughts calling RFK your home, beginning with a very important match against Philadelphia on Saturday?
D.C. United has always had a solid fan base and great support, so it’s important to continue to build that fan support. One thing I want to tell the fans is that you will definitely see me give 100 percent in every game. I’m committed to the team, the organization, and I’m committed to being successful. I’m going to show [that commitment] every game and give everything. I’m looking forward to playing my first game for D.C. and uniting with the fans.
It’s been a crazy week for you thus far. Will you be ready to play on Saturday if called upon?
Yes, definitely. I’m a guy that loves the game and I don’t like to be away from the ball for a long time. If I'm called upon on Saturday, I would definitely like to play and help the team out. The main thing is getting a positive result and getting some wins.
Any idea what number you’d like to wear when you get down here?
We’ll see when I get down there [laughs]. I’m not going to let the surprise out.
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