D.C. United’s untimely exit from the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League at the hands of Alajuelense was an opportunity missed. But the lessons learned can be put to immediate use with the 2015 Major League Soccer regular season opener against the Montreal Impact (CSN, Saturday, 3) just around the corner.
Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over the Costa Rican side at RFK Stadium wasn’t enough to pull the Black-and-Red back from a 5-2 defeat in Central America. After last fall’s undefeated run through the group stage, United was the top remaining seed in the Champions League and boasted a strong core of returning players from 2014 – the hallmarks of a favorite. Instead of a deep run to represent MLS, it turned out to be another hard-to-stomach lesson on the rigors of a home-and-away series.'"
“We had it, but we didn’t do a good job over there, and you pay big time in this tournament,” said forward Fabián Espíndola, who scored in both games. “I really like to play in this CONCACAF, and I really wanted to win this, especially with the schedule that we had. It was good for us – not easy, but we had a really good chance. I think we blew it, but there’s nothing we can do now.”
United’s two intensely contested clashes with Alajuelense now serve as the ultimate tune-up for the looming 34-game MLS campaign.
“I think the guys, more than anything, the rest of the team is going to be excited,” said Espíndola. “They have to put this behind them.” The only other team in the league with similar preparation, of course, is Montreal, which advanced to the Champions League semis by toppling Mexican side Pachuca.
“It was nice to get two extremely competitive games under our belt before the season started,” said midfielder Chris Rolfe. “If we approach that with the right attitude, it will be very beneficial to us in the regular season and heading into Saturday.”
Major League Soccer’s 20th season is certain to kick off in style following the announcement of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the Major League Soccer Players Union on Wednesday. “We’re just really happy that we found a conclusion that was good for us and them, and that the season wasn’t put on hold, and we’re able to continue playing,” said Rolfe. “That’s the best-case scenario.
Jason Levien, DCU's Managing General Partner also commented, "We're grateful for the effort by Major League Soccer and the Major League Soccer Players Union to reach an agreement that allows us to continue the momentum for the league and our team in 2015. We are in the midst of exciting times with D.C. United, on the heels of approval of our new stadium and a successful 2014 campaign. We look forward to getting the season underway Saturday at RFK Stadium."
But Wednesday’s loss still hurt extra for United’s newest Designated Player, whose roll will change starting with Saturday’s visit by the Montreal Impact. Staring down the barrel of a six-game suspension, Espíndola knows he’s now charged with being the toughest guy in practice and a tireless voice of encouragement from the sideline.
“I’m sure it’s going to be very difficult for him to sit out the next stretch, and we’re going to miss him,” said Rolfe. “It’s very unfortunate, but we have guys in this locker room that can step up, who have been starters in this league before, and they can help us.”
