WASHINGTON -- D.C. United are approaching Thursday's MLS SuperDraft with measured expectations as a top-heavy talent pool -- and their own paucity of picks -- have signaled a relatively quiet day in Philadelphia for new coach Curt Onalfo and his recently assembled staff.The Black-and-Red have reaped mixed returns from the draft in recent years. The event has sometimes taken a back seat to the club's dealings in the international transfer market, but United, like several other teams, profited from a stacked 2009 SuperDraft where almost every first-round selection went on to make significant contributions as first-year professionals."Last year was a special class -- seven, eight of the [top] rookies contributed and got regular first-team minutes. I don't think that's going to be the case for this group this year," said D.C. general manager Dave Kasper as he prepared to fly north after the close of the player combine on Tuesday.United were delighted with last year's rookie crop. First-round picks Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius became everyday starters who each logged more than 2,000 minutes last season, goalkeeper Milos Kocic earned playing time despite the presence of more experienced veterans in his position and reserve midfielder Brandon Barklage made rapid progress before a season-ending knee injury in U.S. Open Cup play.Onalfo steps into a different situation from this last club, the Kansas City Wizards, which placed an emphasis on selecting and grooming domestic youngsters like Chance Myers, the top overall pick in the 2008 SuperDraft. A number of recent draftees like Matt Besler and Michael Harrington have quickly moved into important roles with the K.C. first team."Certainly there was a philosophy in Kansas City to play a lot of young players. Every team has to develop players in our league," said Onalfo. "This is one mechanism to help your team, whether finding a player in a starting capacity or creating depth on your team."Most observers have been highly impressed by the uppermost echelon of the 2010 draft's talent pool, but with just three selections overall and only one in the first two rounds, D.C. have little hope of trading up to a top-5 slot and will not be counting on their picks to make an immediate impact in the way that Pontius and Wallace did."I think we'll get an interesting player, someone who's a longer-term prospect," said Kasper of his club's seventh overall selection.Kasper and Onalfo are juggling several priorities in addition to their draft preparations. Having made their final decisions on which incumbents will return from last year's squad, the duo continues to track a number of potential overseas signings and will be traveling abroad on a scouting mission next week."It's probably going to take us another two to four weeks to do some of those deals," said Kasper. "We feel like we have some time to make those decisions."United could benefit from an injection of fresh talent in several areas. Star striker Luciano Emilio has decided to return to his native Brazil to sign with second-division side Rio Branco de Americana and playmaker Christian Gomez is considering his options after an underwhelming return to the nation's capital last year, while holding midfielder Andrew Jacobson was lost to Philadelphia Union in the expansion draft.With incumbent starter Josh Wicks sidelined by injury for several months to come, the Black-and-Red are also seeking more experience at goalkeeper and could seek out additional options in defense. It remains to be seen whether that will lead to dabbling in the bartering that sometimes takes place at this time of year."You've got to always be thinking a little outside the box and trying to do things to help your team," said Onalfo, "and if that means you've got to do a little wheeling and dealing, you do it."
