In 1998, after becoming two-time defending MLS Cup Champions, the rich got richer as D.C. United signed a young star player out of the University of Virginia. His name was Ben Olsen and, like most high profile rookies, he was under a lot of pressure to succeed. Olsen did not disappoint. Rookie of the year, Inter-American Cup Champion, MLS Cup Champion, and MLS Cup MVP were just some of his accomplishmentsin his first two seasons. During his 12-year MLS career, which he spent entirely in a D.C. United uniform, Olsen became one of the greatest players in franchise history. When he arrived in D.C., the team expected a lot from him, and no one could have possibly hoped for all that he delivered.
Now, after more than a decade of dedicated service to D.C. United, the club from the Nation's Capital once again turns to Olsen. Once again, hewill be under pressure from the greatest franchise in the history of American soccer to succeed where he is an inexperienced novice. This time as head coach.
Just when it looked as though the most decorated team in MLS was willing to sit back and let mediocrity become acceptable, the franchise made a bold move to undeniably show that D.C. United is more than what it has become. In Olsen, the club has selected the one individual who spent his entire professional career with D.C. United, a man who has always given and will continue to give maximum effort to ensure the success of his beloved team.
Every player that I have ever spoken with has had nothing but positive things to say about Olsen. Players like him. Period. That doesn't mean he will be a great coach from the start, but it does mean that his players will trust him. The locker room is sure to be filled with confidence and enthusiasm playing for Olsen, and a better attitude will bring better results.
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