Perhaps most encouraging, as D.C. United supporters begin to think ahead to 2012, is the continued development of a young and promising roster. Throughout much of the past campaign, United fielded the youngest side on average of any in the 18-team league. Perry Kitchen (19-years-old), Andy Najar (18), Ethan White (20) and Bill Hamid (20) all finished in the top 10 in minutes played for the Black-and-Red, with Kitchen and Najar becoming the first teenagers in the League's 16-year history to finish first and second in minutes played for their team (Kitchen: 2,726 minutes played, Najar: 2,522).
Head Coach Ben Olsen is clear about his feelings towards Kitchen, "It’s exciting to have him in this organization. He’s a big-time player and he’s got a huge heart. It’s really nice to see him play."
The big question for United's top overall selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft is where he'll line up in 2012, as Kitchen was a utility man for the Black-and-Red this year, playing primarily as a right back, but also seeing time at centerback, left back and as a defensive midfielder. The accepted notion is that the University of Akron product is best-suited longterm to playing as a holding midfielder, but the team's 2012 roster make-up will presumably determine Kitchen's use.
It was clear throughout the season that Najar, the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year winner, was not going to sneak up on opponents this season. Despite the fact that opponents were focusing on the young winger - he was fouled more often than any other player on United (38) - Najar matched the five goals he scored in 2010 and also showed passing prowess by dishing out six assists (five better than 2010). "One-on-one he is still as feared as anybody in this League," said Olsen of Najar.
Couple the aforementioned youngsters with the likes of Blake Brettschneider (22), Chris Korb (23), Chris Pontius (24), Brandon McDonald (25) and Dejan Jakovic (26) and it becomes clear the club's roster is full of potential.
"We've got to get some [roster] additions, and we've got to get better, but that combined with some of these young guys getting this experience - a year older, a year better, hopefully it will be a good recipe for a successful [2012] season."
PART 1:United disappointed but not defeated
PART 2:Firepower in place
