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Behind the Badge: The Official Blog of D.C. United

June 2008 Archives

Luci for Goal of the Week

06/30/2008 5:14 PM by Cris Cruz

Once again, D.C. United has a goal up for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week. This week it's Luciano Emilio again vying for the award. A win would give D.C. its fourth consecutive GOTW (sixth overall). Don't you want to keep this streak going? Of course you do.

So watch the goal below (the header) and vote.  Now.

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DCU 4 - LA Galaxy 1: The goals

06/30/2008 11:55 AM by Cris Cruz

Here are the goals from yesterday's 4-1 win over the LA Galaxy: Jaime Moreno's PK in the 5th minute, Luciano Emilio's first goal in the 37th, Marcelo Gallardo's tally in the 60th and Emilio's second in the 68th.  

 

Update: Per jgildea's request, I'm adding the clip of Burch's free kick.  You can find the best game highlights at MLS's Quick Kicks.

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MLS Game #15: DCU 4 - LA Galaxy 1

06/29/2008 3:17 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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Great things all around today. I don't really even know where to start. 

  • A comprehensive 4-1 win over the top team in the Western Conference. 
  • The unbeaten streak  extended to six games (5-0-1).
  • A third place spot in the Eastern Conference.
  • Jaime Moreno's MLS Best 118th all-time goal. 
  • Two goals and an assist for Lucino Emilio, who has now scored in six straight games.

Surely there are more than that, too.  What am I missing?

UPDATE: A few post-game quotes below and I've also added a couple pictures from the game on the Video & Pics page. The team will train tomorrow in advance of its first game in U.S. Open Cup play on Tuesday against the Rochester Rhinos (Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD; 7:30 p.m. ET).  

D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn
On the game
I thought the first half we didn’t do a good enough job with the ball. We had stretches where we had good possession and it really opened them up. I thought we could have done a little bit better job keeping the ball instead of going right for it. That probably would have taxed them a little more.
 
On the hot weather
It’s difficult climate for those guys [LA] to come into; they are not used to the humidity and the heat and it really got to them more than it did us. We did a good job making sure we knocked it around a little more. When you are chasing the ball, you expend a lot of energy. It’s a lot easier when you have the ball. That really hurt them.
 
On moving forward
We just want to continue to make strides and get better. We are creating a lot of opportunities, and that’s important, but we have also made some progress defensively. … It’s important that the last stretch of the season is when you are at your sharpest and we still have some room to improve.
 
On the play of Zach Wells
He made some big saves when we needed them.  We pushed him and he has been getting better.
 
On how it feels now, when looking back to the team’s poor start
Two months ago, we were still sorting out a lot of issues. We have a talented group and whenever you under-perform it is frustrating on all ends – the coaching side, the players’ side. They’ve stuck together and it was a matter of time when the chemistry is going to start setting in, and it has. Guys are starting to understand each other a little bit more and we are starting to look more and more like a team.
 
D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen
On the game and playing today
The game’s fast, it’s been eight months [since he’s played] and the game is really fast. It was a pretty slow point in the game so it’s going to take a long times –  it’s going to be a long road back.
 
On the decision to play
It kind of came out of nowhere. I was going into surgery Monday, and thought “before I go into surgery I really want to give it a full go and see if I can’t get through some of the pain.” And the pain’s there, obviously. You can see the limp and certain ways I’m not able to explode fully off of. It’s going to be a long road back, today’s a little soul break for me and saying all that… with the fans and getting choked up with the support the fans have given me over the years I can’t explain how much it meant to me, and it makes me want to get better and give this organization and the fans something for sticking by me for a long time.
 
On where to go from here
We wait until tomorrow, I think, and see how it goes – and that is more of a coaches’ decision – and they see what I’m about and they see me at practice they realize I’m not 100 percent. Would he put me in a game that wasn’t 4-1 or 5 –1?  I don’t’ know if that would be so smart. I told the guys to get a big lead so I could go in – they came and they did that for me. Tommy just said be ready or a couple minutes if things go according to plan and they did and I snuck on, it felt good to get out there but the game was fast. It’s been a long time. My brains there, it’s just physically it’s going to be a long road back. I was exhausted. It had nothing to do with my appreciation for my body. I’ve never had that. When I’m out there I feel like I’m stable and I’m not going to hurt myself it’s more I just couldn’t catch my breath.
 
On the team’s turnaround
Everybody in the beginning of the season said it’s going to take time because we have so many [new] guys. At D.C. United, time doesn’t always cut it. People get frustrated. But it did take time and it does take time to get a group of players to become a family and click and that’s what you’ve seen. It’s nice to see because it’s a lot nicer atmosphere in here. We’re playing some pretty good tuff at the right time and we need to continue getting points and do well in MLS and SuperLiga
 
On the fan support
I don’t understand, it I really don’t. These people here are just so supportive of me. All I do is play hard, I like to play soccer, I like this team and I guess they appreciate it. It’s nice to see. It’s emotional. A lot of this stuff you act like it’s not a big deal.  But I like to play soccer; this is my living and I want to come back, but again it’s going to be a long road back. But again I’d like to thank the fans for helping me through this and giving me the benefit of the doubt – I get choked up just thinking about it now.
 
D.C. United midfielder Marcelo Gallardo [translated from S
On the rhythm of the attack
There’s a better understanding with the attack right now especially with Luciano [Emilio]. Earlier in the year, we didn’t have that good chemistry but right now the player who’s up top for us, there’s a better understanding between him and I think that’s why we’re getting more goals. Jaime [Moreno] and I are coming back to the midfield to help build the attack and it’s important for Fred and Santino [Quaranta] to attack on the wings and right now we’re doing a good job all together finding Luciano up top because he’s the lone forward and we’re scoring on the chances that we create.
 
On the encounter with Landon Donovan
There was no bad intention on my part. There are things that happen in the game. Everything is fine between him and I; we even exchanged jerseys so there’s nothing more than something that just happens in the course of a game. As I said, it wasn’t intentional I just tried to cover myself. I felt the man marking me and he happened to be right there. I didn’t do it with any intention so that’s the way I saw the play.
 
LA Galaxy Head Coach Ruud Gullit
On the game
I think we played quite well and we had great opportunities to go one up, with Landon [Donovan]. The second half, you saw it in the team, they suffered from the heat, they were exhausted. I think if you saw the first half, it was a totally different team from the beginning. I think D.C. played very well in the second half and therefore deserved to win.
 
On how he wanted the game to go
You never want to play high speed, you don’t let the ball do the work. I think in portions of the first half we did that excellent and that could also result in a 2-1 lead. But I think in the second half the play really suffered for me. They were exhausted. And I said it also in the locker room.
 
On the heat
It’s extreme for a player.
 
Concern on whether the heat affected LA more than D.C.
Sometimes it does [affect you], sometimes it doesn’t. Today it was us. When we played in Dallas it didn’t affect us there. I think it depends on your physical condition at the moment.
 
Playing at noon
It’s nuts. It’s just tough to play in these conditions.
 
On the Gallardo-Donovan incident
Look, he [Gallardo] scored the third goal and he’s supposed to be off the field, off the pitch. There was blood coming out of [Donovan’s] nose. Gallardo excused himself to me because he knew he was lucky to stay on the pitch. I blame also a little bit there the fourth official because it’s ridiculous – it was right in front of him. If he has no authority what is the point of having him there.
 
LA Galaxy Midfielder David Beckham
On the game
Tough match. We knew it was going to be a tough match. Disappointed with the way it went in the second half.  We didn’t play well especially in the second half but we played some good soccer. But I’m overall disappointed.
 
On the eat and humidity
It was hot out there but that affects both teams, although after all they train in it week in and week out. Though, that it wasn’t just that today. Of course, like I said it was hot but we didn’t play a good game – we didn’t play well enough. We didn’t challenge hard enough and the best team won on the day. I can obviously blame the humidity, obviously it was hot out there, like I said, but it was more than that today.
 
On his impact on game from last year
I played more minutes this year compared to last year. It’s great that the people and the fans turn out because it’s great for the game. It’s great for the MLS. And it’s good to play in that kind of atmosphere. It’s nice to see the amount of fans that came out today but I wish the result would have been better for us.
 
On less friendly fans
I’ve had a lot worse. That’s part of the game, it’s part of the atmosphere, it’s part of soccer in the United States and all around the world. When you play away from home the fans are less friendly. All the parks, that’s the way it is. You accept that, you get on with it and if you win the game you enjoy it, if you don’t you just have to accept it.
 
On the Gallardo-Donovan incident
I don’t want to get myself into trouble with certain things I believe, but there’s some stakes and there’s also times when decisions don’t go too well for you, whether we believe it was right or wrong. It’s the law of the game if you lift your arm over someone... I don’t know. I didn’t agree with it but that’s down to the referee. He saw it, he decided that.
 
On seeing his jersey in the stands
It’s amazing. It’s an amazing honor for me to pull into most stadiums around the US and see the amount of shirts, the amount of kids and people that have got 23 and my name on the back of their shirts. I’m honored by that. But we need to win the game, that’s the most important thing. But it’s great for people to turn out and it’s great for people to support me and support the Galaxy.
 
On the challenge of continuing to push the offensive pace
It’s not a massive challenge because it’s what I do and it’s what obviously Landon [Donovan] and Edson [Buddle] do. I put the ball in the right places and they score. Most of the games this season we’ve done that and we did it today but it was cancelled out, Landon’s goal in the first half. But it’s not challenging to keep that pace up because like I said it’s what we practice and it’s what I personally do in games. Some games you’re not going to have that and some games you are. It’s a matter of me putting as many balls in the right places as possible and players on the end of it to score. But some games it happens and some games it doesn’t.
 
On United’s team
They’ve got some clever players. I think the game of soccer is about having clever players and we spoke about it before the game during the past week. But they’ve got players that can destroy a back four, doesn’t matter who you’re playing against. They sat in midfield and they pulled up the defense and created their own space and then their players ran through. That’s how they got through the defense. It’s nothing against, obviously, our defense – the defending starts from forwards and midfielders and if you don’t have that defense then it’s tough defending. 
 
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DCU vs. LA Galaxy lineups [Benny!]

06/29/2008 10:57 AM by Kyle Sheldon

The big news from the locker room this morning is that Ben Olsen will be included in the 18-man roster for the first time this season.  The club's long tenured midfielder has been fighting through pain all year after ankle surgery in the off-season, but in the last week or so has revved up his training regime.  Though his ankle is still sore, Benny is fighting through the pain and will be available should Coach Soehn decide to use him. 

With that in mind, here is the starting lineup that will face LA today:

Zach Wells; Bryan Namoff, Gonzalo Peralta, Devon McTavish, Gonzalo Martinez; Santino Quaranta, Clyde Simms, Marcelo Gallardo, Fred; Luciano Emilio, Jaime Moreno. 

Tthe game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and will kick a little after 12 noon p.m. ET.  

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MLS Game #15: DCU vs. LA Galaxy

06/29/2008 8:35 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Big day. 

United will look to extend its five game unbeaten streak (4-0-1) against the Western Conference's best team today as the Black-and-Red take on the LA Galaxy in a rare noon kickoff.  Today's game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and is the warm-up for the Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain. 

Tickets are still available and will not sell out.  So, get out to RFK Stadium.  In fact, leave now - I guarantee there are folks already tailgating. 

Or.. you can check out the articles below to get you up to speed on the game. 

  • Steve Goff in the Washington Post focuses on Beckham's play on the field. 
  • John Haydon on a couple of designated players going against each other in the Washington Times. 
  • Charlie Boehm writes about the high profile clash at dcunited.com (notes here). 
  • George Solomon of the Washington Post also chimes in with a few thoughts on LA's visit (second item down), with a great quote from Fred. 
  • Jeff Carlisle with five things to watch during today's game over at espn.com.
  • Justin Rodriguez with a local look at rookie Ryan Cordeiro in the Times-Herald Record. 
  • The Capital Weather Gang has your weather outlook here. 

Also, some video from Comcast SportsNet... 

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Last minute preparations

06/28/2008 12:40 PM by Doug Hicks

Though tomorrow's match with the LA Galaxy may seem anything but typical for many, United went about their pre-game training session today in typical fashion.  The Black-and-Red went through a light work-out and fine-tuned technical details for their nationally televised clash with their Western Conference rivals. 

Though more than 33,000 tickets have been sold, their are still quality seats available for the big game.  I think that there is a perception that the game is already sold out, but that is not the case.  Getting tickets is actually very easy to do...click here and see for yourself!  Once you buy, here are some quick tips for travel to the match.

See you tomorrow.

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Video: ESPN previews DCU-LA

06/27/2008 4:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon

 

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Franco Niell released

06/26/2008 3:48 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll officially announce shortly that Franco Niell has been released.  The 25-year old saw time in seven League games (three starts) and collected an assist in 279 total minutes on the pitch.  In reserve division play, Niell notched four goals and an assist in five games (all starts). 

With an open roster spot, what type of player would you like to see the club go after? 

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Sympathy for the devil

06/26/2008 3:30 PM by Doug Hicks

The hype machine rolls on.  In addition to the dozens of reporters schedule to attend and report from training sessions this week, several current and former members of the Black-and-Red will be in studio talking about the heated United-Galaxy rivaly.  You can see it in person by buying tickets here!

(cue Rolling Stones)

Next up, Marco 'El Diablo' Etcheverry.  The United legend himself is set to join Russ Thaler Friday on the set of Washington Post Live at 5:00 p.m. ET.  Etcheverry was the engine of United sides that terrorized Galaxy defenders at MLS Cup finals in 1996 and 1999.  Marco will discuss his playing career in the Nation's Capital tomorrow, preview Sunday's nationally televised match-up and detail his current role with United's Academy programs.  Etcheverry will be hosting a free clinic at Washington-Lee High school this Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

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Giveaway! Win tickets to DCU vs. LA Galaxy

06/26/2008 8:30 AM by Kyle Sheldon

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BehindTheBadge.com is giving away four tickets to next Sunday's match between D.C. United and the LA Galaxy.  Not only that, but we're throwing in a D.C. United replica home jersey for the winner, which can be customized to include any United player's name and number on the back.  Pretty good, right?  We're not done. We're also throwing in a 2008 D.C. United media guide signed by the entire 2008 squad.

Want to know how to win?  It's really easy.

  1. Register for a BehindTheBadge.com account (you can do that by clicking on the comments link below and following the instructions).  

  2. Edit your profile and upload a sweet image of some sort (keep it clean, or I'll disqualify you like crazy). 

  3. Comment on this very post with a score prediction for the game. 

On Friday (6/27), we'll randomly pick a winner from those who have commented.  Then, we'll send you an email if you're the winner. Good luck.  As if that weren't enough... following Sunday's game, we'll randomly pick one person from all of the folks who correctly predicted the score and award a D.C. United hat and scarf. 

Man, I'm good to you. 

PS - We reserve every right to do whatever the heck we want with this contest.  And, if you're not feeling lucky, you should buy tickets soon so as to get good seats (they're going fast!).  Do that here. 

UPDATE #1: Lots of great avatars (that's what they're called, right?) and predictions for the giveaway. Keep 'em coming!  Did we mention you'll get to see Troy Roberts in action?!

UPDATE #2:  Josh Tudela will be there!  You can watch him play soccer (maybe)! Only a day and a half to get your comment in below... 

UPDATE #3:  Today is the last day to get your score predictions into the comments section.  Did you know you might see Alan Gordon on Sunday?! 

UPDATE #4: Congratulations to RayWhitney who was randomly picked by one of our community relations interns as the contest winner!  I'm particularly pleased, because not only did R-dub pick D.C. to win, but his post was particularly witty, as well.  Congrats and enjoy the game (and the other prizes!).  We'll be back with more contests with even better prizes, so keep checking back... 

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Access United: Galaxy preview

06/25/2008 7:41 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Access United sat down with Tom Soehn, Devon McTavish, Santino Quaranta and Jaime Moreno in advance of Sunday's game with LA. 

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Marc Burch on the Junkies

06/25/2008 7:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The media tour continues in the lead-up to Sunday's game versus the Galaxy.  Tomorrow morning, United's Marc Burch will be a guest on The Junkies radio program on 106.7 WJFK. Burchy is expected to be on around 9 a.m. so tune in on the radio or listen live at wjfk.com. 

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Reserves top Crew 1-0

06/25/2008 6:04 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The D.C. United reserves earned a 1-0 win over the Crew on the strength of a Rodion Dyachenko goal this afternoon in Columbus. Here is the match report, courtesy of the Crew's PR team... 

CREW FALL TO D.C. UNITED, 1-0, WEDNESDAY IN RARE, MID-WEEK RESERVE DIVISION MATCH

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Columbus, OH – The Columbus Crew Reserve squad fell to the D.C. United Reserves, 1-0, Wednesday in a rare, mid-week Reserve Division match played at the Crew Training Facility at Obetz. The match was originally scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27, a day after the regular-season league finale at Crew Stadium between the two teams.

The first half unfolded with Columbus creating most of the match’s scoring chances, thanks to two early shots on frame by midfielder George Josten and a shot from distance by veteran Duncan Oughton just before the half, but the United defense held firm thanks to the timely play of Peruvian goalkeeper Jose Carvallo.

After a scoreless first half, both squads brought on substitutes off the bench, looking to avoid injuries before the weekend’s MLS schedule. However, the action would pick up in the matches second stanza, as both sides sought to tally the game’s first goal.

The Crew was the first to threaten goal with a legitimate chance after the restart, as Nicolas Hernandez’s left-footed bender from the top of the box was foiled by a diving save from goalkeeper James Thorpe, one of two United substitutes at the half.

The game’s only tally would come in the 73rd minute, when D.C. finally got the goal it was looking for. Marc Burch sent a bending left-footed free kick into the Crew’s area from the right side. The Crew failed to clear the service, and United midfielder Rod Dyachenko pounced on the loose ball and deposited it into the back of the net.

The hosts were unable to find an equalizer in the match’s remaining time, as the United defense snuffed out the Crew’s remaining scoring chances.

The win improves D.C. United to 4-2-1 (13 pts.) on the season, while Columbus moves to 2-3-1, (7 pts.) in MLS Reserve Division play. The Crew Reserve squad will return to action Sunday, July 6 when it hosts the Chicago Fire at 10 a.m. at the Crew Training Facility at Obetz. D.C. United has a full month off until its next Reserve Division match, when it hosts the Kansas City Wizards on Sunday, August 3 at 10 a.m.

June 25, 2008 – Crew Training Facility at Obetz

Scoring Summary:
DCU – Rod Dyachenko (unassisted) 73

Columbus Crew Reserves: Andy Gruenebaum (Kenny Schoeni 46), Devon McKenney, Jed Zayner, Andy Iro (Ryan Miller 46), Gino Padula (Ryan Junge 11, Nicolas Hernandez 46),Cory Elenio, Duncan Oughton, George Josten, Andrew Peterson, Ricardo Pierre-Louis (Craig Neal 66), Steven Lenhart (Jason Garey 46)

Substitutes not used: Eddie Hertzenberg

D.C. United Reserves: Jose Carvallo (James Thorpe 46), Jeremy Barlow, Marc Burch, Dane Murphy, Mike Zaher, Rod Dyachenko, Quavas Kirk, Grady Renfrow* (Laurent Manuel* 46), Craig Thompson, Kenny Anaba* (Pat Carroll 68), Ryan Cordeiro

Substitutes not used: None

Misconduct:

CLB – Jed Zayner caution (reckless foul) 58
CLB – Nicolas Hernandez caution (reckless foul) 86
 
*Guest players

 

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O captain, my captain

06/25/2008 3:46 PM by Doug Hicks

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O captain, my captain.

How can you watch the end of Dead Poets Society and not think of Jaime Moreno?  Perhaps that is why fans at RFK stand throughout United games week end, week out? Hmm...

United captain Jaime Moreno will be featured on Washington Post Live Thursday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.  In his exclusive interview, Russ Thaler will talk to the League's all-time goal scoring leader about his illustrious career with the Black-and-Red, the growing rivalry with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the upcoming match between MLS' two most storied clubs this Sunday.  Did I mention that you can still buy tickets?

For those Spanish speakers among us, Luciano Emilio will also be accommodating an in-studio request tomorrow.  Emilio is set to appear tomorrow on Univision's 6:00 newscast, previewing the LA match and talking about his current form with the Black-and-Red.

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Tony's Take: Sunday (with a cherry on top)

06/25/2008 3:27 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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Tony Limarzi, the Radio Voice of D.C. United, provides live match commentary for all D.C. United games on WFED 1050 AM. He recently published his first book, Forza Italia, which is the story of the summer of 2006 – both Italy’s World Cup win in Germany and United’s MLS season. 

It could be billed as David versus Goliath, except that David is Goliath.  It would have to be promoted as "David – the Goliath of players versus D.C. United – the Goliath of Clubs."  That would be a little confusing. [Ed. note – that IS confusing!]

Nevertheless, Sunday's game between D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy should be a real classic in terms of regular season match-ups.  In many ways it's reminiscent of the 1996 game at RFK in the hurricane against the Tampa Bay Mutiny.  You'll have to confirm this with Mr. Payne, but I always thought that the 1-0 victory against the Mutiny was the first time D.C. United showed what they were all about.  At that time they were an inconsistent group still trying to find their identity.  Yet, playing against the top team in the Eastern Conference, they put together a convincing performance in difficult circumstances to come away with a deserved and satisfying win.

As for this Sunday, all the pieces are in place for a true playoff atmosphere.  You'll have the top team in the Western Conference going up against the hottest team in the league.  The lineups will have starpower galore- the reigning MVP, the leading candidate for this year's MVP, the league's all-time leading goal scorer, and the most famous athlete on the planet.  The game is on national television: not cable- network television, and the game is part one of a world class soccer double header culminating with the second most important tournament after the World Cup.  It seems like the coaches won't need much of a team talk to get the players ready for this one.

You'll often hear the term "message game" or "statement game" when there is an important game during a regular season, but I never really liked those phrases.  To me a message or statement indicates that a team wins the games and in doing so shows the rest of the league something.  I think that a win on Sunday will prove the most to the winning team itself.  The game is more like self affirmation.  Whoever wins on Sunday will surely be more pleased with their performance than the opnions of the rest of the teams in MLS.

If Los Angeles were playing in New York this weekend, you would still see Beckham-mania.  But since the stage is set in the nation's capital, the game is much bigger than even Beckham.  It's the highest profile player, the highest profile club, and two of the best teams in the league, all playing in front of the best and most knowledgeable fans in the country.  Everybody in the stadium is in for a real treat on Sunday. 

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Access United: San Jose recap

06/25/2008 2:08 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United beat San Jose 3-1 last Sunday.  Access United is neat. 

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United to face Rochester in Open Cup

06/24/2008 9:26 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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Following a 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Rochester Rhinos have advanced to the third round and will now face D.C. United in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play next Tuesday, July 1.  The game, which will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex, is set for a kickoff of 7:30 p.m. ET. 

United and the Rhinos have met twice in Open Cup play.  The first time came in the championship game back in 1996 during D.C.'s inaugural year, when United topped Rochester 3-0.  The other meeting came in 2000 and saw United replicate its 3-0 win in the third round. 

A perennial contender in United Soccer League's first division (USL-1), the team has struggled this year putting together a record of only 2-4-5, which places them in second to last place. Their best player seems to be Mauricio Salles, who leads the team with four goals and two assists this year. 

Perhaps the most interesting story line would have been the Rhino's Steve Guppy making his way back to D.C. after spending part of 2005 with the Black-and-Red.  Unfortunately for Guppy, however, the 39-year old was red carded in the 70th minute and will be ineligible for next Tuesday's match.  The Englishman will likely be on the sidelines, though, as he also serves as an assistant coach. 

Get your tickets for next Tuesday's game by calling the United offices at 202-587-5000. 

What do you think about the U.S. Open Cup? How should Coach Soehn prioritize Tuesday's game? Would you prefer to see reserves or first-teamers? 

(photo courtesy of 20 Toe Photo)

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The Big Game Looms

06/24/2008 3:51 PM by Doug Hicks

So the (Black-and-)Red hot D.C. United are set to face the LA Galaxy this Sunday at 12:00 noon.  Anticipation is already high for the League's glamor match-up between the most successful team in American professional soccer history and a team that suits up one of the most famous men on the planet.  Hint...if you don't yet have tickets, you should buy some! 

With that, the media hype begins.  Ben Olsen will share his perspective Wednesday morning with his good friend and morning radio personality Elliot Segal on DC101.  Benny will be on the Elliot in the Morning Show shortly after 8:30 a.m.  Tune in and enjoy!

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¡Gonzalo Goalazo!

06/24/2008 10:55 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Our players are really good at scoring sick goals.  This week, it was Gonzalo Martinez who unleashed an absolute rocket from the left side of the box to the far post.  And now, the defender is one of five nominations for Goal of the Week.  Remember how Simms won last week?  Well, the possibility exists that we could bring home our fifth - FIFTH - Sierra Mist Goal of the Week of 2008.  I don't know what the record is for most Goal of the Week wins in one year, but let's go for it, eh?  I'll ask the guys to keep scoring ridiculous goals as long as you agree to keep voting. 

Watch Gonzalo's goal here and vote here. 

(Are you happy Section 130?)

UPDATE:  Gonzalo's goal won!  That's three Goal of the Week winners in a row.  Let's make it four, eh? 

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BTB merchandise offer: replica away kit

06/22/2008 8:50 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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Do you like to save money?  I mean, who doesn't?  I bet you do.  The merchandising team at D.C. United is with you on this one and has a great offer that is available for the next two weeks.  They're offering the 2008 replica away jersey for 25% off.  They're regularly $70.  Now, I'm no math major, but I'm pretty sure this deal is going to save you $17.50.  That's pretty good in my book. 

How do you take advantage?  Just call the D.C. United Team Store at 202-546-7023 and mention the Behind the Badge offer.  Adult sizes are available in S-2XL, while youth sizes are available in S-XL (youth kits are normally $50, but with this offer you can get them for $37.50). 

The offer is valid through July 7, 2008 or while supplies last.  Also, please note that the offer is only valid on non-game days.  

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Don't miss out

06/22/2008 8:10 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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United is in the midst of a five game unbeaten streak, but faces a much stiffer challenge next Sunday when the LA Galaxy visit RFK Stadium (12 noon ET).  Last year's game saw 43,000+ pack the stadium for the debut of one David Beckham and this year's match will likely prove to be an entertaining one as the League's two highest-scoring teams do battle.  LA has scored an amazing 31 goals in 13 games, while DCU has found the back of the net 24 times in 14 games.  

Tickets are still available but going fast.  Get.  Yours.  Now. 

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MLS Game #14: DCU 3 - San Jose 1

06/22/2008 6:05 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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Marcelo Gallardo collected his first two assists of the season and Luciano Emiliio scored for the fifth straight game - the longest streak in MLS this year - as United topped visiting San Jose 3-1 this afternoon at RFK.  The team's unbeaten streak is now at five games, having won four and tied one over the last four weeks. 

UPDATE: Post-game quotes are below and I've added a few photos to the Video & Pics page. The team will be taking part in the annual celebrity golf tournament tomorrow and then get back to training on Tuesday in preparation for next Sunday's game with the Galaxy. More than 30,000 tickets are sold, so if you don't have yours yet, get them soon! 

D.C. United Head Coach Tom Soehn
On Gonzalo Martinez
He injects some light obviously going forward when he does come forward. He’s got pace and that’s hard to stop whether it’s in the defensive end or moving forward. It’s nice that he can take the opportunity to score a goal because he can do it.
 
On Zach Wells
I’m more concerned with how the team played today. As a whole we didn’t show up today. We came in with a mentality that we won the game and that’s discouraging for me. I don’t think we were good on the competitive side or on the soccer side. We addressed it at halftime and got a little bit better. But there are not too many days where you can come like we did today and come out with a result.
 
On next week’s game against the Galaxy
We have to come out and compete, everybody, and we didn’t do a good job of that today. One positive is on the days that you don’t show up and you still come out of the result, I would say that that’s part of a good team is that when you don’t have it and you pull out a result. We’re going to chalk that one up to that but we’re going to get back to work to make sure we don’t come out with the complacency we had today.
 
On San Jose’s offense
Well, we really helped because we kept giving them the ball. It was really easy we just kept giving them the ball, with or without pressure.
 
D.C. United Midfielder Ryan Cordeiro
On the game
It was just on more today. I had space out on the wing and I got the ball in good spots. The first game I played it was more defensive because I was playing against a different type team, a different type of player, but today I was going forward.
 
D.C. United Midfielder Clyde Simms
On the game
We were trying to find our way and unfortunately came out of there 0-0 at halftime. We regrouped and played much better in the second half.
 
On the upcoming home games
We got a long home stretch and we’re definitely trying to get points out of this stretch. We’re down in the standings and fortunately we had some results go our way and so we’re trying to get three [points] to try to move up.
 
On his goal
First thing on my mind was to shoot it when I got it. It popped up and no one was close so I was trying to get my touch forward and keep it low and hard. I know there was a lot of bodies in front of me and the mouth of the goal so I tried to keep it low and hard and fortunately I got a nice deflection.
 
D.C. United Defender Gonzalo Martinez
On his goal
I kept moving forward. I had help from Bryan [Namoff], Luciano [Emilio] and Jaime [Moreno]. They opened up space for me, I had a good opportunity and I was faster.
 
On wanting to score more goals
Of course, but I’m looking to score more goals for the good of the team. A few games back we were suffering, always walking with our heads down and now we’re better and trying to do anything for the good of the club.
 
On playing left back
It’s a position I’ve already played before. They’re very similar. The only difference is from lateral to center back is that the center has to be more on his mark and the lateral can attack more.
 
D.C. United forward Luciano Emilio
On the slow start
The game was very compact in the first half. We didn’t have space in the midfield, in the forward. But I tried to help; I think we moved the ball side to side. We looked for space we played fast forward and got chances and scored goals.
 
San Jose Earthquakes Head Coach Frank Yallop
On the game:
I thought we played good stuff at times. But I thought the referee was poor today to be honest; he missed a play, so that hurts but again we didn’t win so it doesn’t matter really.
 
On the first half
I think that if you look at the general play we played well today. I thought we created some good chances and we limited DC to not many chances in the first half, other than [Luciano] Emilio who had a chance that hit the post. I thought they just had a couple deflected shots and that hurts when they go in, but you can’t really do much about it, and it was a bit of a wonder goal with the second one. But we had our chances in the first half. John [Cunliffe] had a couple of sniffs and Ryan Johnson with a chance on a set play. But it’s just disappointing that we can’t seem to get playing well and get the right time to score. That’s been our problem really.
 
On the red card
It looked like a mistimed tackle and I haven’t seen it on DVD or video but he’s not a dirty player and he’s going for the ball and I think he just mistimed it. The one when [Gonzalo] Peralta grabs Ryan Johnson? That should have been a red card.
 
On where the team goes from here
We’re trotting along, and it’s a shame that we haven’t got any more points than we have. Performance-wise, we’ve played a lot and not gotten anything out of the game. So it’s tough to take, and I think the quality in the end showed, Emilio scored and he’s a good player. General play and things that we talk about coaching-wise and being structured is good. We’ve got three forwards not even healthy which doesn’t help. Ryan Johnson’s really a wide midfielder playing up front with John. But it is what it is and we keep plowing on and we look to the wind to try and strengthen and get some more points at the end of the season.
 
On Ryan Johnson
Ryan’s done a good job up there. It’s not a natural position he’s a wide player, but he has played up front in some of his career. He’s a strong boy, he’s a handful. He gives us a little of a battering ram up front. I think he holds the ball well, he had a couple of situations where he could have gotten a shot off but that’s Ryan. He’s still young, but he did okay today.
 
San Jose Forward Ryan Johnson
On D.C. United
When you watch D.C., when they get the ball they have three or four guys around the ball at all times. If they’re on the far left corner or on the far right corner, it’s like three guys around the ball: quick touch, quick touch. But with us, we get the ball to one area or we switch the ball or move the ball to our forwards and it’s maybe one guy to support, it’s only one option. Not all the time but sometimes. It’s tough because these defenders, they’re tough and they’re not going to let you hold the ball for more than two or three seconds, so we have to play quickly.
 
On the team’s play
We definitely fought hard and didn’t want to give them the win but they’re a good team, very good at scoring goals and they showed that tonight. We fought hard, we didn’t just give up and that’s one positive we can take out of this game today.
 
San Jose Midfielder Ronnie O’Brien
On the team’s performance
In the first half we played really well. We created a lot of chances. For the most part we were happy at halftime. We came out a little flat in the second half, were unlucky with a deflection and I don’t think we were helped by the calls we got.
 
On what’s lacking
It’s tough – we’re trying. Obviously there’s a period of getting to know each other. We’re not using the expansion draft as an excuse. We do feel we’re a good enough team and we’ve been in every game. For the most part we’re not getting trounced on. We got two deflected goals. We’re not using the expansion team as an excuse. It’s just we’re not playing a solid 90 minutes. We’re playing 50, 60 minutes and the other 30 minutes we’re getting punished. We’ve got 30 minutes that we need to work on and keep our concentration and I think we’ll get some more results.
 
San Jose Defender Kelly Gray
On the loss
I hate to say luck but we got a couple of unlucky plays where a little deflection causes a goal. Their first goal was just unlucky. Joe [Cannon] was close to saving that, it was just a bad touch by James [Roe;u] but you can’t really fault him on that because he was trying to block a shot. And their second goal you have to give it to them. It was a good goal, nothing you can do about that. Then the third one also, it was a ball on top of our own box and they punished us for it with another deflection.
 
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DCU vs. San Jose lineups

06/22/2008 1:58 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Coach Soehn has named his lineup for this afternoon's game.  

Zach Wells; Bryan Namoff, Gonzalo Peralta, Devon McTavish, Gonzalo Martinez; Fred, Clyde Simms, Marcelo Gallardo, Marc Burch; Luciano Emilio, Jaime Moreno. 

With Santino Quaranta out, Fred slides over to right midfield and Marc Burch moves into his vacated left-sided spot.  Namoff returns to his normal right back position and Gallardo is back as the attacking midfielder. 

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MLS Game #14: DCU vs. San Jose

06/22/2008 9:38 AM by Kyle Sheldon

This afternoon, San Jose makes its first trip to RFK since 2005.  The Earthquakes have struggled in the season's early going, putting together a record of 3-7-2 and managing to only score nine goals all year.  United will be without Santino Quaranta (yellow card accumulation), but sees the return of Marcelo Gallardo and Bryan Namoff to the lineup, after each sat out last game due to red card suspension. 

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET.  The game can be seen in Spanish on Telefutura and locally in English on Comcast SportsNet.  

Heading into the game today, here's what you need to read: 

Also, be sure to check out the mlsnet.com photo gallery of United's bar of choice for post-game festivities, Finn Mac Cool's. 

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Haircut-Off '08: The Video

06/20/2008 4:18 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Not sure what Haircut '08 is?  Then, you need to read this and this.  Once you've done that, you're ready for the video below...  Wait until you see what James Thorpe had cut into his head!

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CSN on Luciano Emilio

06/20/2008 2:27 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Comcast SportsNet's Jill Sorenson (who played college soccer at Brown!) made a trip out to RFK yesterday to catch-up with Luciano Emilio, who has been incredibly hot over the last month.  Following is the piece she put together that aired last night on CSN.. 

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The Kiss

06/19/2008 4:12 PM by Kyle Sheldon

 

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Houston game re-scheduled

06/19/2008 2:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll announce full details shortly, but we've rescheduled the June 4 Houston Dynamo game that was postponed due to severe weather and unplayable field conditions.  The make-up game will take place at RFK Stadium on Tuesday, July 22 (7:30 p.m. ET).  The game comes just three days after the two teams meet in SuperLiga play (also at RFK) and two days before the MLS All-Star game in Toronto. 

Tickets from the June 4 game will be honored at the rescheduled date. 

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Reserves top TFC, 2-0

06/18/2008 12:50 PM by Doug Hicks

On the strength of a Franco Niell brace, D.C. United Reserves beat visiting Toronto FC Reserves 2-0 this morning at United's Training Field.  Goals in the 77th and 87th minutes supported by a clean sheet courtesy of James Thorpe and Jose Carvallo.  United Reserves are now 3-2-1 (10 points) on the season.

A complete recap will follow...

UPDATE: Here's the full summary.  

D.C. UNITED RESERVES TOP TORONTO FC RESERVES, 2-0

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2008) – Franco Niell tallied two late goals and D.C. United held off Toronto FC for a 2-0 victory in reserve division play Wednesday morning.  Niell’s tallies, in the 77th and 87th minutes respectively, saw United cash in on a man-advantage gained after TFC went a man down in the 34th minute.  James Thorpe and Jose Carvallo combined for the shutout victory.

United and TFC passed the half hour mark with neither side offering a scoring chance of substance.  Soon after, sparks flew when Julius James saw red for violent conduct against Franco Niell.  The incident raised the intensity of the game and chances soon became commonplace.  Quavis Kirk found Rod Dyachenko centrally.  A clever move by the midfielder freed space to allow a passing lane to Niell, whose driving shot was deflected wide of goal.  The resulting corner kick ended with the ball at Niell’s feet again, but his close-range blast passed over the crossbar.  Just before half, Toronto felt as if they had drawn first blood, but their set piece tally was ruled offside.

Despite being a man down, TFC did well to possess the ball in United’s end and created several second half chances.  Andrea Lombardo found free space in the left-hand side of the penalty area, only to see his blast tipped over the bar by Jose Carvallo.  Carvallo again provided a dramatic reflex save in the 68th minute, denying a header by Nana Attakora-Gyan off of a corner.  Lombardo blasted the rebound towards goal only to be denied by guest player Craig Thompson on the goal line.

United regained control of the match as the short-handed visitors faded late.  Opportunities by Kirk and Mike Zaher nearly gave United the lead before the Black-and-Red finally struck pay dirt.  Dyachenko raced 30 yards on a counter-attack, finding Niell to his right as he entered the penalty area.  Niell’s one-time blast beat David Monsalve to the far post and United had a 1-0 lead.  Ten minutes later, Grady Renfrow found an open Niell in the offensive third.  Niell carried the ball to the top of the penalty box before hitting a shot that deflected off of a sliding defender and over the backtracking Monsalve for the final margin.

The day’s result leaves D.C. United Reserves with a 3-2-1 (10 pts.) record.  TFC Reserves fall to 3-2-0 (9 points).       

Game Summary:

Toronto FC Lineup (4-4-2): GK-David Monsalve, D-Tyler Hemming, D-Kilian Elkinson (Marko Bedenikovic 46), D-Julius James, D-Nana Attakora-Gyan; M-Joey Melo, M-Gabe Gala, M-Tyler Rosunlund, M-Abdus Ibrihim; F-Jarrod Smith, F-Andrea Lombardo.

United Lineup (4-4-2): GK-James Thorpe (Jose Carvallo 46); D-Jeremy Barlow (Kenny Anaba 57), D-Dominic Mediate,  D-Dane Murphy, D-Mike Zaher;  M-Quavas Kirk, M-Dan Stratford, M-Rod Dyachenko (captain) (Grady Renfrow 80), M-Craig Thompson; F-Ryan Cordeiro, F-Franco Niell.

Scoring Summary
DC – Franco Niell  (Rod Dyachenko) 77’
DC – Franco Niell  (Grady Renfrow) 87’
 
Misconduct Summary:
DC – Franco Niell   (caution) 34’
TFC – Julius James (ejection) 34’
DC – Dane Murphy   (caution) 65’
 
Referees:
First Official: Bryan Rusland
Assistant Referees: Mike Andrews, Jeff Davis
Fourth Official:  Sam Elbary 

 

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Photo of the Day: Shirtless?

06/18/2008 11:55 AM by Kyle Sheldon

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If you haven't yet read it, check out Dan Steinberg's recent post on the various D.C. teams and their policy on being shirtless at games.  You'll see that our stance when compared to the other pro teams in the area is in stark contrast.  If you read the piece, you likely saw a great quote from our VP of Communications, Doug Hicks.  You didn't, however, see the whole thing;

"As evidenced at United games for years, the passion of our supporters cannot possibly be contained by clothing.  In extreme cases, Luciano Emilio goals have even prompted fans to spontaneously disrobe."

We can't confirm that the fella above is shirtless in celebration of an Emilio goal, because we're pretty sure he doesn't wear shirts at all... ever. 

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Haircut-Off '08: WJLA video

06/17/2008 10:05 PM by Kyle Sheldon

WJLA's Greg Toland happened to be at RFK Stadium today during all of the haircutting festivities. Though he wasn't planning on covering the inaugural Haircut-Off, he did...

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Photo of the Day: Haircut-Off '08

06/17/2008 3:36 PM by Kyle Sheldon

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You can read all about what's going above at Dan Steinberg's D.C. Sports Bog, but the quick story is that today was the inaugural "Haircut-Off '08" between rookie Dan Stratford and season ticker holder Karen Hennessee (who also happens to be a professional haircutter/stylist/barber/hairdresser). Above is a photo of Strats working on Zach Wells and Karen on Dane Murphy. 

Here's the backstory and Steinberg's first post on the festivities is here, which includes details (and photos!) of James Thorpe getting a lightening bolt shaved into one side of his head and three stripes on the other. Nice. 

Yes, we shot video.  Expect something up by the end of the week. 

UPDATE: Steinberg with his third post - "United Haircut-Off Marred by Flying Hair"

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Champions League schedule announced

06/16/2008 4:02 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll put out a full press release soon, but CONCACAF announced today the full schedule for the group stage in the inaugural Champions League tournament. United has been draw into Group A, which definitely includes Deportiva Saprissa. The two other slots will be filled by two of five teams. This is where it gets a little confusing. 

The final two spots will go to the winner of Cruz Azul-Hankook Verdes and Isidro Metapan-Olimpia/Marathon.. 

Here's the full Group A schedule:

Date: home team - away team (kickoff time)
9/16: D.C. United – Deportivo Saprissa (8:00 p.m. ET)
9/24: Isidro Metapan or Olimpia/Marathon – D.C. United (10:00 p.m. ET)
10/1: D.C. United – Cruz Azul or Hankook Verdes (8:00 p.m. ET)
10/9: Deportivo Saprissa – D.C. United (10:00 p.m. ET)
10/21: Cruz Azul or Hankook Verdes – D.C. United (10:00 p.m. ET)
10/29: D.C. United – Isidro Metapan or Olimpia/Marathon (8:00 p.m. ET) 
 
Following the group stage's completion, eight teams advance to the quarterfinals which pick back up in late February, 2009. 
 
Quarterfinals
24-26 February: First-legs
3-5 March: Second-legs
 
Semifinals
17-19 March: First-legs
7-9 April: Second-legs
 
Final
21-23 April: First-leg
28-30 April: Second-leg 
 
Look for the full press release on dcunited.com soon. 
 
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Vote for Clyde

06/16/2008 12:06 PM by Kyle Sheldon

C'mon, folks - help us earn our fourth Sierra Mist Goal of the Week by voting for Clyde Simms' blast in Saturday night's game. We've already had three winners - most in the League - and we're jonesin' for another. There were a lot of nice strikes over the weekend, so vote often. 

Watch the goal here and vote right here. 

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Rookie Report: Game day roster

06/16/2008 9:46 AM by Dane Murphy

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Dane Murphy is currently in the midst of his first year with D.C. United. Signed to a developmental contract on March 28, the 22-year old writes periodically for Behind The Badge, offering insight into being a rookie in MLS.   

Welcome back to the Rookie Report. I apologize for my procrastination in creating a new post but my priorities are now firmly in order with the recent threatening of my position on Behind the Badge [ed. note - they were empty threats, Dane. But, thanks for writing.] . The ineptitude to write a second report was not due to a lack of activity with the Black-and-Red. Don’t look now but it seems as if someone is climbing back up the table. Two solid away results (a draw in New England, 3 points in Chicago) and this past weekends thrashing of New York have brought smiles and confidence back into the locker room. It is funny how Miss Momentum can drastically affect the atmosphere and attitude of a team. Everything seems to be falling into place for a bright remainder of the season.

In the midst of the organization’s current upswing, I have had some exhilarating experiences of my own. The first team was not the only D.C. United squad celebrating a dramatic win in Bridgeview, Illinois last week. For those of you who didn’t hear, our reserve team won a high-flying contest against the Fire Reserves by a 5-to-4 score line. Once trailing early in the second half 3-0, we showed a lot of character in the Midwest heat to score 5 goals in less than 45 minutes. The highlight goal was Burch’s lefty bomb from 30 yards out. The highlight celebration was Rod’s KGB version of the Eric Cantona Stare after leveling the match with his header in 69th minute. Two late finishes secured a wild win that had three lead changes. With the depth of talent the Fire possess it was a tremendous boost for the entire roster to come away with two wins.

On a far more personal level I achieved a milestone in my young career by making my first game day roster this past Saturday. Following Friday’s training, I was informed by fellow rookie Ryan Cordeiro in RFK’s top class weight room that I had made the 18-man roster. At first I didn’t really believe him but as the sarcastic jabs came from veterans entering the weight room about my first appearance it began to seem real. Finally I saw my name on the board upon re-entering the locker room and was pleased that the coaches had seen my form as good enough to be included in the squad. In the grand scheme of things, this is a small personal achievement as I hope to be playing with the first team as soon as possible. But it is a small step that I take great pride in achieving and I am grateful to have been selected.

On the night of the game things were very different then my previous experiences. There is a certain aura around putting on the D.C. United jersey before a match. The intensity in the locker room and the mental preparation are entirely different when suiting up. I felt that at any moment I could be called upon to perform and that I had to be ready. Looking at the faces of my teammates after the pre-game speeches made me want to go to war with them and find any possible way to win. Outside the locker room a true appreciation for the decibel level of United’s fans cannot be felt unless you are on the field in warm-ups and during the game. I was awed by their deafening chants and the fact that there was no interruption throughout. A few fans offered their congratulations to me in some pretty unique verbiage and I thanked them for their support. It is an atmosphere that I hope to continue to grow and develop in. As for the game we came out with a 4-1 victory and I am proud to say that I am currently 1-0 on the first team. That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by and Go United.  

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