United in Florida: Day 3

D.C. United prepare ahead of Chicago Fire scrimmage

January 26, 2012

Nicolas Fernandez / dcunited.com

The Black-and-Red are just three days away from their first scrimmage of 2012. With kickoff set for 2:00 p.m., United will face the Chicago Fire this Sunday, January 29 at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Fla. (Match updates will be shared via Twitter). The match is open to the public. Contact FGCU for ticket information.

This morning, the D.C. United technical staff organized a scrimmage in hopes of getting closer to Sunday’s starting lineup. The session consisted of two 30-minute halves in which both new and established players had the chance to get acquainted with one another on the field. The first half saw indications of the possible starting team, as veteran defender Robbie Russell covered the right flank, Perry Kitchen stood behind Branko Boskovic to occupy the defensive midfield, and Dwayne De Rosario played alongside Maicon Santos in the offensive end.

On the opposite side of the pitch, United’s newly acquired defender Emiliano Dudar participated in his first practice session, pairing up as a center back with Conor Shanosky. Second-year forward Blake Brettschneider shared the attack with trialist Stefan Jerome.

D.C. United’s afternoon schedule was composed of medical treatments and a gym session, followed by free time.

INJURY UPDATE

Forward Josh Wolff continues to recover from a stress fracture injury. As a precautionary measure, he has continued to work with United’s medical staff while in Florida and will be evaluated upon arrival in Washington, D.C.

TRIALISTS UPDATE

Brazilian midfielder Marcelo Saragosa recently joined United’s preseason camp. The 30-year old is a product of Sao Paulo FC’s youth system, and has played for the LA Galaxy, FC Dallas and Chivas USA. In 2005, he helped the Galaxy claim the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup.

JERSEY NUMBERS

Jersey numbers have been assigned to the newly acquired players and can be purchased at the D.C. United Team Store. These include Danny Cruz (#2), Nick DeLeon (#18), Emiliano Dudar (#19) and Maicon Santos (#29). Blake Brettschneider, who previously wore #29, will now wear #11, while Brandon McDonald has exchanged his #2 shirt for #4.