Black-and-Red roster breakdown

Approaching the Holiday break, things are moving at a rapid pace inside RFK Stadium as Ben Olsen and his staff ready themselves for the New Year. With 2012 nearly upon us, D.C. United is making preparations for First Kick Weekend on March 10, a mere 81 days from now. In the weeks ahead, the club will see additions to solidify its 2012 roster, as General Manager Dave Kasper and Olsen look to build upon the team's exciting young nucleus by acquiring players via domestic transactions, international transfers and the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

After declining options on eight players this offseason, there is plenty of room for new additions as United looks to add the final pieces to its postseason puzzle after narrowly missing the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Said Kasper in a recent interview, "Decisions like these are never easy, especially when letting go of players who have been a big part of the club for several years. These tough decisions provide us with the flexibility to make other roster moves and we do anticipate that we'll be able to announce additional acquisitions during the next several weeks."

Here is a look at the current state of United's roster, beginning with those players that will not return to the team in 2012. As of this moment, the club is carrying 18 rostered players, with two more being invited to preseason training.

PLAYERS OUT

• Brandon Barklage - Option declined.
• 

  Marc Burch, Devon McTavish, Clyde Simms

  Marc Burch - Option declined, selected first overall by Seattle Sounders FC in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
• Steve Cronin - Option declined.
• Charlie Davies - Loan agreement with FC Sochaux expired.
• Devon McTavish - Option declined, retired.
• Joseph Ngwenya - Option declined.
• Santino Quaranta - Option declined, retired.
• Clyde Simms - Option declined, selected by New England in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft

PRESEASON INVITES

• Austin da Luz: Though the left-sided player's option was not renewed, da Luz will be invited to United's preseason training camp to compete for a roster spot in 2012. He arrived from New York on July 16 and played in 14 matches (five starts) for United, with one assist coming in 616 minutes of action.
• Jed Zayner: Like da Luz, Zayner will be invited to United's preseason camp to battle for a roster slot. The fullback was hampered by a knee injury for the majority of 2011, playing in four MLS contests.

CURRENT ROSTER

Goalkeepers:

• Bill Hamid: Asserted himself as United's number one goalkeeper in 2012 following offseason shoulder surgery. Started 28 League games, posting 77 saves and a 1.39 goals-against-average mark, earning his way onto Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. National Team as backup for starter Tim Howard.
  

  Joe Willis

• Joe Willis: Proved himself as a reliable backup to Hamid in 2011 during his rookie campaign. The 6'5" netminder made his MLS debut on August 13 in a 4-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Willis played in three total matches for United, registering one shutout and 12 saves.

Defenders:

• Dejan Jakovic: Three-year United veteran is important to the club's defensive efforts. Limited throughout 2011 due to injury, Jakovic started all 15 matches he played in for the Black-and-Red last season. The team was 6-4-5 in those contests, and 6-0-1 when having a lead with Jakovic in the side. When healthy, he is one of the most athletic center backs in Major League Soccer, and he developed a strong partnership with Brandon McDonald in the middle.
• Chris Korb: Rookie defender from the University of Akron provided solid depth in 2011, making 12 starts at right back. With time and continued development, he could solidify that position in the years to come.
• Brandon McDonald: Physical central defender that proved to be a key mid-season acquisition for the club in 2011. After signing a new deal in August, the bruising player will be an important part of United's defense for the long-term. McDonald started all 18 matches he played for United after arriving from San Jose in June.
  

  Robbie Russell

• Robbie Russell: United's newest signing and a reliable veteran. Russell has been versatile throughout his career, playing across the backline and midfield at varying times in Norway, Denmark and MLS. Most recently he helped Real Salt Lake claim the 2009 MLS Cup, and in his fourth and final campaign with the Utah side he made 26 appearances (22 starts) in 2011.
• Ethan White: Physical rookie came on strong throughout 2011, playing a major role in United's defensive efforts. In total, White played in 24 MLS matches (21 starts), and the Homegrown product will compete for a starting center back position in 2012.
• Daniel Woolard: Steady player that locked down United's left back position in 2011. Woolard started 26 matches and scored one goal in the October 2 match at Columbus.

Midfielders:

• Branko Boskovic: Designated Player missed the 2011 season due to an ACL tear suffered on April 26 against New England in a U.S. Open Cup qualifier. Olsen has important plans for the Montenegrin playmaker, who when healthy, can unlock defenses with deft passing ability and darting runs. Boskovic can play centrally in an attacking role or on the left wing, where he has thrived for Montenegro's National Team.
• Stephen King: Reliable central midfielder that was rewarded with a new contract in 2011. Known for his work rate and fitness level, King made 20 appearances last season (11 starts), scoring his first goal for D.C. United on August 13 against Vancouver.
  

  Perry Kitchen

• Perry Kitchen: The only rookie to lead D.C. United in minutes played throughout the club's 16-year history, Kitchen proved himself to be invaluable to United's success during his first professional season. Filling in across United's backline at right back and central defender over 31 games (30 starts), he made a natural move to defensive midfielder late in the season. Look for Kitchen to continue in that role in 2012 and beyond.
• Kurt Morsink: Winner of the 2011 D.C. United Coaches' Award, Morsink is currently finalizing a new deal with the club. Though an ankle injury limited him to only two matches last season, Morsink is a vocal player in the locker room that is respected for his scrappy play.
• Andy Najar: The 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year did not succumb to a sophomore slump. One of United's most potent attacking threats, the 18-year-old Honduran registered five goals and six assists in 31 League matches (28 starts). Look for him to continue his dominant displays on the right side of United's midfield when he returns from his offseason training stint at Tottenham Hotspur.
• Conor Shanosky: Homegrown Academy product continued his development this offseason with the Generation adidas tour of Holland. At 20-years-old with the ability to play central defender and holding midfielder, he is one to watch for the future as he gains increased time and experience. Played in seven Reserve League matches in 2011 (five starts).

Forwards:

• Blake Brettschneider: The 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft selection earned his way onto Ben Olsen's roster in preseason camp and never looked back. Brettschneider made several first team contributions last season, earning 15 appearances (12 starts), scoring one goal to accompany two assists. In Reserve League play he was second on the team in scoring (three goals).
  

  Dwayne De Rosario accepting the 2011 Volkswagen MLS MVP trophy
  Tony Quinn/tonyquinnphotos.com

• Dwayne De Rosario: 2011 MLS Volkswagen Most Valuable Player changed United's offensive outlook following his mid-season arrival from New York. Simply put, he was the club's most important player, thrilling fans with 13 goals and seven assists in only 18 matches for the Black-and-Red. Currently the club is working on a new deal for the 33-year-old Canadian.
• Chris Pontius: Aside from De Rosario, Pontius was United's biggest offensive threat in 2011 before breaking his leg at Chivas USA on September 10. The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist is on-schedule with his recovery, and is primed for a big year in 2012. In total, Pontius recorded seven goals and five assists in 25 matches before the injury from his left wing position.
• Josh Wolff: 34-year-old veteran showed little signs of slowing down in his first season with D.C. United after joining the club from Kansas City. Wolff set a single-season career-high in MLS games played (30), as the striker started 23 matches for Ben Olsen's side. He added five goals and seven assists to United' attack, and will be famously remembered for jumping into Barra Brava in triumphant celebration after scoring the team's opening goal of 2011 against Columbus.

RUSSELL TO WEAR NUMBER THREE

With Austin da Luz's option not being picked-up, Robbie Russell will take the number three jersey in 2012. Though da Luz will have an opportunity to earn a roster spot in preseason training, Russell has worn the number throughout his career and will begin using it when players report for camp in mid-January.