One of the chief concerns for United as the 2010 campaign came to a close was renovating a sputtering offense that yielded a League-worst 21 goals. One year later that concern has been eradicated, as only three teams scored more in MLS than the Black-and-Red in 2011.
The mid-season arrival of Dwayne De Rosario proved to be the most impactful deal in MLS this season, with the 33-year-old Canadian contributing 13 goals and seven assists to the cause in only 18 matches with United. In De Rosario United has a bona fide star, and his second half surge in Washington vaulted him to the fore of this year's MVP debate. De Rosario was the only player in MLS to reach double digits in both regular season goals (16) and assists (12), with his strike total enough to earn him the 2011 Budweiser Golden Boot.
Players that scored five or more goals for D.C. United in 2011
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Dwayne De Rosario | 16 | 12 |
| Charlie Davies | 11 | 1 |
| Chris Pontius | 7 | 5 |
| Josh Wolff | 5 | 7 |
| Andy Najar | 5 | 6 |
Charlie Davies and Josh Wolff proved to be valuable contributors to United's attack, with the two men posting 11 and five goals, respectively. However, it was the revival of midfielder Chris Pontius that bolstered United's fortunes. After a season-ending hamstring injury in 2010, Pontius burst back onto the MLS scene with mesmerizing midfield runs and an arsenal of attacking talent. Before breaking his leg at Chivas USA on September 10, the California native had seven goals and five assists to his name (both career highs).
In his final press conference of the year, Olsen lamented the loss of Pontius and central defender Dejan Jakovic. "That’s what’s disappointing to me; that I couldn’t squeeze enough out of every guy to get into the playoffs. Next thing you know [Chris] Pontius is out, Dejan [Jakovic] is out, [Branko] Boskovic is out – I guess here I go with the excuses, but we missed those guys."
Already ahead of schedule, a healing Pontius will be ready to go in 2012. The same is true of Designated Player Branko Boskovic, who before a season-ending knee injury in April was beginning to settle into a rhythm. Both men will be important contributors for the club moving forward, and coupled with De Rosario Olsen will have a multitude of lethal attacking options.
PART 1:United disappointed but not defeated
PART 3:Youth movement
