WASHINGTON -- Three years ago, Ely Allen was halfway through his impressive college career at the University of Washington when Real Madrid rolled into town for an exhibition meeting with D.C. United on Aug. 9, 2006.That night, he and 66,729 other Seattle-area fans of the beautiful game packed into Qwest Field to take in an entertaining international friendly, an occasion that helped lay the foundations for this year's triumphant return of top-flight pro soccer to the Emerald City in the form of Seattle Sounders FC.So there was a feeling of cyclical completeness when Allen made his D.C. United debut against Real Madrid at FedEx Field last Sunday, coming on to log 13 minutes for his new team against one of the flamboyantly talented sides in the world."I was still in college at U-Dub, still a collegiate athlete, and it's just weird, going to that game and now I'm here, getting into the game right now," recalled Allen after United's training session on Tuesday."But it was good to get in. It's obviously my first minutes this year and it felt good out there ... I think there were some butterflies but at the same time playing Real Madrid, it's a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity so just go out there and let it all go -- have fun either way."The wiry winger has reason to savor those 13 minutes of action, given the way in which his Major League Soccer career came to a shuddering halt after a dream start.Last year Allen enjoyed a promising rookie season with the LA Galaxy, logging a goal and an assist as he chased down service from David Beckham, Landon Donovan and company. But after being waived by Los Angeles this spring, he was unable to win a contract with his hometown Sounders FC and soon found himself toiling in the Premier Development League, three rungs below MLS on the nation's professional scale.Allen stuck his nose to the grindstone, however, and put together a strong campaign for Seattle Wolves FC, notching six goals and six assists to help the club reach the postseason in its first year of PDL competition. Those efforts helped draw the attention of D.C.'s technical staff, who had an extra roster spot to fill -- and an acute need for midfield cover -- in the wake of Brandon Barklage's season-ending knee injury last month."Not many people get a second chance, and I've gotten one," said Allen, who has been impressed with the welcome extended to him at the capital club. "The locker room's great, the coaching's great, the organization's on top of everything. So far everything's smooth -- I like it here."The daily routine around RFK Stadium has certainly contrasted with Allen's experience in Los Angeles, where Beckham's presence has amped up the media frenzy around a club already known for glitz and glamour."In L.A. you could say there were two superstars, almost two cliques," he said. "But here, everyone's friendly, everyone's getting along with everyone."And there's not a big media following you everywhere, looking at you in the locker room naked," added Allen with a deadpan delivery. "In L.A., I thought everyone got along there too, but I just feel here in D.C. the camaraderie's a lot better. Everything's smooth."Yet his new team also possesses a wealth of talent and with players like Rodney Wallace and Fred already capable of manning his preferred left wing position, Allen is realistic about the obstacles standing between him and regular playing time."The squad's great," he said. "All 24 guys here can start and you've got to show yourself in practice, you've got to build confidence throughout the year."United's intense late-summer schedule could open up some opportunities for Allen, however. The team's recent qualification for the group stage of CONCACAF Champions League has added six more matches -- three requiring draining international trips -- to an already congested calendar that also features a U.S. Open Cup final meeting with Sounders FC, a match which will hold particular significance for Allen."It's a great time to hop in," he acknowledged with a grin.
