Early Tuesday, John Harkes visited RFK to take part in the second-ever episode of the Capital Soccer Show. The United legend, and current color analyst with Comcast SportsNet, sat down afterwards to answer a few questions about his experience during Saturday night's season opener.
dcunited.com: Saturday marked your return to the broadcast booth at RFK, what was it like to be back in a familiar place where you've made so many memories?
John Harkes: Being back at a club that you've had so many great experiences with and championships with, that comfort level was great. There were mixed emotions because of the result and also because I wasn't with Dave Johnson for the first game of the season. Tony Limarzi was great and I thought we did well together, but I've always been used to working with Dave in the past.
dcunited.com: With your connection to United - and your more focused role as the club's color analyst - did the last-minute goal hit you emotionally?
JH: It always does. If it doesn't then there is something wrong. Emotionally, you always have a connection to clubs you played with in the past, that's just part of it. That's human nature. But again, there's that side of it where you have to be objective and you have to point out what is going on and tell the stories. Your first reaction is - Oof! How did that happen! - and that is an emotional reaction and then you've got to quickly change gears.
dcunited.com: You knew Ben as a wild-haired rookie out of Virginia, are you ever taken aback when you see him down on the sidelines as a head coach with his full suit and perfectly coiffed hair?
JH: I think Benny has always had style and that seems to be a priority, so he's always looking good [laughs]. There's a process that has to take place as a young coach. Sure it's a surprise at times to see him on the sidelines and screaming and yelling but look its a long road. A lot of guys need to be given opportunities at times to show what they can do. Hopefully there are a lot of good things to come from this group.
dcunited.com: What were your impressions from the opener?
JH: I was still looking for the leaders in terms of the starting eleven. Who are the guys who are going to change the game a little bit more? The work ethic was certainly good I think in terms of chasing things down. I thought Sporting Kansas City was a handful to deal with, but eventually you look to see certain players rise to the occasion and make a difference in the game. Whether it be communicating in back or dictating the rhythm of the game or somebody holding the ball properly, i didn't see enough of that. And then, with United, it took a very long time to threaten goal. You get the first shot on goal into the second half, and being the home team that is a bit concerning certainly. But big picture here, it's early. It's first game out of the gate and they'll learn lessons from it.
