VARELA, JUNIOR & SHANOSKY MAKE THE TRIP
D.C. Unitedarrived in LA Thursday evening after a 5-hour flight with 18 players intow, including first-time travelers Carlos Varela, Junior Carreiro andConor Shanosky. Of the three new faces only Varela is currentlyeligible to suit up for Saturday's match versus the Galaxy, as Junioris awaiting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC), and Shanoskyis not yet eligible for MLS matches. The coaching staff decided tobring 18-year old Shanosky along so that the young midfielder couldget his first taste of life on the road, while the hope is Junior may be ready for tomorrow. "We're continuing to make calls throughout the day with the hope we'll be ableto get his ITC in today," said General Manager Dave Kasper this morning ofJunior's ITC.
UPDATE - 4:15 PM Junior Carreiro has received his ITC and will be available for selection Saturday vs. LA.
BENNY VERSUS THE BRUCE
Among the subplotsfor Saturday's match at the Home Depot Center is Interim Head Coach BenOlsen going up against LA boss Bruce Arena for the first time. Unitedfans know that Arena has served as Olsen's skipper on three separateoccassions - at the University of Virginia, at D.C. United and with theU.S. Men's National Team (including at the 2006 FIFA World Cup inGermany). Arena joined the D.C. United technical staff Thursday eveningafter dinner at Rock'N Fish on Hermosa Beach to catch-up and share stories. While Olsen and Arena were happy to catch-up, both will be hoping to best the other on Saturday evening. Kickoff for their first-ever encounter is set for 10:30pm and can be seen on Fox Soccer Channel.
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