July 2008 Archives

Tax free DCU gear

07/31/2008 4:58 PM by Cris Cruz

If you haven't yet purchased your D.C. United gear or would like more, now is the time to do so. The District is having a "DC Sales Tax Holiday" from August 2 - 10, where clothing, shoes and accessory items will be exempt from the 5.75% sales tax.

So beginning with our home game against the Wizards and all throughout the following week, the D.C. United Official Team Store will NOT be charging sales tax. This tax-free holiday ends Sunday, August 10 so come out and shop for DCU gear!

Road trip!

07/31/2008 3:39 PM by Cris Cruz

Want to see United play against the Red Bulls in New York (NJ)? The Screaming Eagles and Barra Brava are both planning road trips to support D.C. in their upcoming match at Giants Stadium on Sunday, August 10. Space is limited so contact them NOW and go cheer on the Black-and-Red!

Video: Soehn on Washington Post Live

07/31/2008 12:32 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Video below from Head Coach Tom Soehn's appearance on Washington Post Live on Tuesday.  

Ivan Guerrero acquired from San Jose

07/31/2008 9:23 AM by Kyle Sheldon

We're set to announce later today that the club has acquired Ivan Guerrero from the San Jose Earthquakes for a partial allocation.  Guerrero is expected to be in D.C. shortly and may very well be available for Saturday's game against the Wizards.  

Able to play in either the defense or midfield, Guerrero has seen time in 14 games (13 starts) this year after being picked up by San Jose in the 2007 Expansion Draft.  He previously played three seasons for the Chicago Fire from 2005-06, making 74 appearances (71 starts) and notching three goals and 16 assists.  While in Chicago, he also played in five MLS Cup playoff games (five starts) collecting two goals and an assist. 

A native Honduran, the 30-year old has also previously played for Peñarol (Uruguay), CD Motagua (Honduras) and Coventry City (England).  Additionally, he has been a constant fixture on the Honduran national team, notching three goals in 79 appearances at the senior level.  

Guerrero holds a green card and thus will not count towards United's international roster limit. 

What are your thoughts on the pick-up? 

Doe update, Thompson upgraded

07/31/2008 9:21 AM by Kyle Sheldon

A couple of quick updates from Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium...

Francis Doe has been dealing with a pretty severe toe infection for the last few weeks and yesterday went to have it checked out.  Doe went through a process called debridement, which removes the infected tissue.  It's tough to say immediately how long he'll be out, but he'll likely miss at least a couple of weeks while healing. 

In other news, Craig Thompson has been upgraded from a developmental contract to the senior roster, while Mike Zaher has been moved to the developmental roster.  The club's newest signing, Thompson has played in each of United's last five games (four starts), seeing time in the U.S. Open Cup, SuperLiga and League play.  

New feature on Behind The Badge

07/29/2008 10:50 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Howdy, folks!  Happy Tuesday to you.  Just a quick note to draw your attention to a new feature on Behind The Badge.  You may have already noticed in the upper right corner of the site what we're calling the 'login widget.'  Once registered and logged-in, the widget will display your user name and personal avatar (or profile image) and allow you to easily access your account settings.  The account settings page allows you to edit your basic profile (display name, email address, password and URL), change your profile image and also now includes an extended profile.  The extended profile captures some basic demographic information, which will help us to better serve you, the fans (we won't sell or share this information with anyone - it's only for internal planning purposes). 

If you haven't done so already, try uploading a profile image.  It looks pretty cool once you do and are logged-in.  If you have feedback on the widget or experience any issues, feel free to drop me a line. 

Tom Soehn to appear on WPL

07/29/2008 10:34 AM by Doug Hicks

United Head Coach Tom Soehn will join host Russ Thaler on the set of Comcast SportsNet's Washington Post Live this evening.  United's bench boss will be on air at 5:35 p.m. to discuss United's season to date and take a look at Saturday's match with the Kansas City Wizards.  Tune in, then click here to join us at RFK this weekend.

Internally speaking

07/29/2008 10:01 AM by Doug Hicks

A lot has been made of the fact that D.C. United’s technical staff is looking outside of the club for reinforcements on the field to aid the club during the stretch run of the Major League Soccer season and in CONCACAF Champions League play. What is far more important, and mostly overlooked, is how the club achieves success by looking internally when times are tough. 

Tony's Take: Morenology

07/29/2008 9:27 AM by Tony Limarzi

During the 2004 season, D.C. United played a game late in the season in Columbus which they lost 1-0.  At the end of the game Jaime Moreno had a chance to save a point for D.C. with a diving header.  Jon Busch made a great reflex save to preserve the points for the Crew.  At the hotel after the game I saw Jaime and I told him what a great effort the header was and I couldn’t believe that Busch saved it.  Jaime smiled at me and said, “That’s life.”  How philosophical.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on the teachings of Jaime Moreno, and how his theories about life can be applied to the current frustration for United.  The four straight losses at R.F.K. Stadium have been disappointing, but as Jaime often says, “Like I always say: Everything happens for a reason.”   So, let’s see if we can come up with some potential reasons for this losing streak.

First, let me say that this is not a sour grapes article about the irrelevance of Superliga.  Losing four in a row is very upsetting, and it’s always better to win.  Yet, D.C. United players and fans have seen over the past two seasons that it’s very difficult (maybe impossible) to maintain positive results for five months in a row.  The back to back Supporters’ Shields were impressive, but maybe the team would’ve preferred to have been firing on all cylinders three weeks later than they were.  If that’s the case, then United now has extra time to focus on getting back on track in the league, and getting players healthy.

D.C. United will be working on a regular schedule for the next two weeks; playing matches only on the weekend.  It’s the first time since June that the team hasn’t had any mid-week matches, and that could help United in the other tournament they’re currently still alive in - the U.S. Open Cup.  D.C.’s opponent in the Open Cup semifinal is New England, one of the MLS teams still alive in Superliga.  If New England makes it to the Superliga final, they’d have to play on Tuesday in Superliga, Saturday in league play vs. Chicago, and the following Tuesday in the Open Cup semifinal at R.F.K.  I’m not encouraging others to cheer for the Revolution, but it is very difficult to play three games in eight days, and D.C. would be much more rested going into the Open Cup semifinal (even though D.C. plays in New York on the Sunday before that Open Cup game).

September 16 is the first matchday for United in the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League.  This new tournament is going to be spectacular.  Lately, United has not done as well as they would’ve liked in their international tournaments, but it’s hard to imagine a lack of intensity from anyone in an exciting, new tournament with so much at stake.  With the MLS rosters being limited the way they are, it is incredibly unlikely that any MLS team could run the table with Superliga, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, MLS Cup, and Champions League.  D.C. was a long shot at best to win all of those competitions, and Superliga was probably the least significant one. 

The positive feelings from United’s recent six-game winning streak faded quickly with the current slide, but it could be worse.  The schedule over the next three months for United is pretty crowded.  Another four-game losing streak would be disastrous for D.C.  So if such a bad spell was going to happen at some point, better now than in the next three or five weeks.  Losing stinks, but at times good things can come from losses, and even though it came at the expense of advancing in Superliga, the time off could be the key to another excellent stretch for United.  Maybe that will be the reason that Jaime is looking for. 

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. 

Caption Contest: Gheorghe Muresan edition

07/28/2008 12:18 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Earlier this year, former Washington Bullet Gheorghe Muresan visited the D.C. United locker room.  The Romanian is a big soccer fan and attends a few United games each year.  The 7-foot, 7-inch Muresan is pictured below with Brazilians Luciano Emilio and Fred.  The three serve as the subjects for our first Behind The Badge Caption Content.  

Simply drop captions for Gheorghe, Luciano and Fred in the comment section below, remembering to keep all entries clean and family-friendly.  We'll pick our favorite and award the winner four tickets to an upcoming D.C. United game. 

Entries will be accepted through Friday, August 1.  Best of luck.  

Access United: Houston Dynamo recap

07/28/2008 10:59 AM by Kyle Sheldon

After a three-day weekend the team is back at it today, preparing for its match against the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday (got your tickets yet?).  If you haven't yet seen it, here is the Access United recap following last Wednesday's very strange loss to the Dynamo.  There's some great footage of the rain coming down.  Past editions of Access United are here. 

Short break [team store closed]

07/24/2008 6:06 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Well, after nine straight home games from June 14 to last night, the United powers-that-be have decided not only to give the team a long weekend, but the front office staff as well.  United's offices will be closed tomorrow - Friday, July 25 - and reopen on Monday, July 28.  So, don't call us. 

The D.C. United Team Store at RFK Stadium will also be closed tomorrow.  We'll hit the ground running again on Monday with a special contest, so be sure to check back. 

Photo of the Day: Three hour delay!

07/24/2008 11:26 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Last night was ridiculous.  Our unofficial official blog photographer Chris Leon captured some of the craziness, including the shot below during the 2-hour 54-minute delay.  You can see additional shots from last night on the Video & Pics page. 

MLS Game #16: Houston 2 - DCU 0

07/24/2008 12:08 AM by Kyle Sheldon

As if losing didn't hurt enough, we had to wait almost three hours to do it.  We'll have just a few post-game quotes before departing RFK, hopefully before 1:30 a.m. Ugh. 

The team has the weekend off, before their August 2 home match against the Kansas City Wizards.  In addition to all of the team's current injuries, Tom Soehn will now be without Gonzalo Martinez who got his second yellow card late in the game and will have to serve a one game suspension.

UPDATE #74 (1:11 a.m.):  Post-game quotes from both sides below.  Sheldon out. 

This is not a joke, though it feels like one

07/23/2008 8:49 PM by Kyle Sheldon

It's raining like I've never seen it rain before.  75% of the stadium's lights just went out.  The game has been stopped in the 54th minute.  And now, the field boards behind the north goal have fallen over.  And there are large puddles forming on the field.  And there's lightning. And 500 members of Barra Brava continue to chant and sing.  And now large thunderclaps have joined in. 

God does not want this game to happen.  Ever. 

UPDATE #1 (8:58 p.m.):  No joke, 75% of the field is covered with puddles.  No, not puddles - ponds.  Nope, ponds are too small.  There are gigantic lakes all over the field.  

UPDATE #2 (9:04 p.m.):  The lights are back on, but now we have to wait for the lightning to clear.. and perhaps the field to drain. 

UPDATE #3 (9:11 p.m.):  Photo added.  You can see - it's pretty bad. 

UPDATE #4 (9:43 p.m.):  The field is slowly draining and the lightning appears to have stopped.. rain has slowed down, too.  I'm told the game needs to be completed by 1 a.m., so it would have to start back up again around midnight in order to get in the full 90 minutes. 

UPDATE #5:  (9:55 p.m.):  Their are several folks with squeegees on the field trying to push water off... I'm not sure it's working very well.  The refs are going to walk the field in about ten minutes to try and determine if it's playable.  Though it's still raining steadily, we haven't seen lightning in a while. 

UPDATE #6 (10:03 p.m.):  The referees are testing the field with a ball.. the first kick went about eight inches.  The second went through the goal box, but it's obvious only parts of the field are playable.  The squeegeeing continues... 

UPDATE #7 (10:08 p.m.):  Both head coaches have joined the referees on the field and are wandering around, testing the pitch.  There are now at least eight folks with squeegees around the field.

UPDATE #8 (10:13 p.m.):  Just got the word from the depths of RFK that we're going to wait another 30 minutes before making a determination on whether or not to start the game.  The field is not yet ready.  Super. 

Update #9 (10:28 p.m.):  Stopped down in the locker room.  Most guys were just lounging about, telling war stories.  Quavas Kirk and Craig Thompson were kicking a ball around.  Enthralling stuff. 

UPDATE #10 (10:34 p.m.):  Photo below by Tony Quinn.  Confirmation that it was raining hard.  Very hard.  

UPDATE #11 (10:50 p.m.):  The coaches are back on the field, checking it out for a second time.  Rain is still falling pretty steadily.  The fans are cheering as the coaches and refs check the field.  Hard to tell how many are sticking around because they're not allowed in the seats.  The ref is kicking the ball around the field and it's definitely moving better than before.

UPDATE #12  (11:00 p.m.):  The coaches, refs and game officials are at half field... fans are chanting "let them play" from afar... the squeegees are back out! Hooray for squeegees!

UPDATE #13 (11:03 p.m.): Field will be inspected in 15 minutes by match officials. Teams must be warming up by midnight. The squeegees are still out but it's continuing to raining.

UPDATE #14 (11:14 p.m.): Tom Soehn is very carefully monitoring those using the squeegees.. the refs are back out to inspect the field for a third time.  Rain is now barely a drizzle and I've been sitting in the press box with nothing to watch for almost two hours. 

UPDATE #15 (11:22 p.m.):  Game on.  Warm ups will start immediately and last twenty minutes before play resumes.  The rain is just about stopped and the field is looking good (well, as good as can be expected).  Kickoff should take place around 11:45 p.m. 11:40 p.m. 

UPDATE #16 (11:28 p.m.):  Both teams are back on the field warming up.  Nothing like two hours of sitting around to get the legs loose.  It will be interesting to see if either coach decides to make a change coming out of the break.  Hopefully, both teams will stay injury free... Fans are back in their seats, but there can't be more than a few hundred folks who stuck around.  

UPDATE #17 (11:42 p.m.):  Here we go! Game just kicked off.. photo added above of the last few remaining fans.  Delay was exactly two hours and 54 minutes!  Follow along on the dcunited.com matchtracker here. 

DCU vs. Houston III: Starting lineups

07/23/2008 6:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Well, it might very well rain on us this evening, but this is attempt number three at trying to play this soccer game so I'm told we're going to do everything we can to get it in before the daylight of Thursdady arrives.  Let's hope the rain holds off and we get it in when we're supposed to.

With injuries aplenty, Tom Soehn has made a few changes to tonight's lineup:

Zach Wells; Pat Carroll, Bryan Namoff, Marc Burch, Gonzalo Martinez; Devon McTavish, Clyde Simms, Fred, Craig Thompson; Luciano Emilio, Jaime Moreno. 

So, Fred moves into the attacking midfield role, while Devon slides from centerback to right mid, which leads to Namoff being pushed centrally to pair up with Burch.  Martinez is back into his left back spot and Pat Carroll gets the call on the right. 

Here's hoping for a dry win. 

BTB Merchandise Offer: Antique tee

07/23/2008 11:54 AM by Kyle Sheldon

When I used to drive around the east coast with my parents for soccer tournaments there was pretty much a guarantee that they'd find some antique store along the way.  As a kid, it was always the worst part of those trips (that and the constant losing).  Because of that, I have a built-in dislike for all things antique - until now! 

The newest Behind The Badge merchandise offer is antique, but only in name, as the design is new.  For a limited time, you can get the adidas Antique T-shirt for $15 - that's 25% off the regular $20 price tag.  That baby is 100% cotton, so you know it's good.  Adult sizes are available in S-XL and the offer is valid until August 4, 2008 or while supplies last.   

Call the D.C. United Team Store at 202-546-7023 to order (or visit at RFK Stadium's main gate) and mention the Behind The Badge offer.  This offer is not available on game days.  Why, do you ask?  Because it's just too darn busy.  Get yours now. 

Let's try this again: DCU vs. Houston

07/23/2008 8:26 AM by Kyle Sheldon

So, as of this morning, I'm told the power is back on at RFK Stadium and all systems are go for tonight's matchup with the Houston Dynamo.  After a second postponement last night - due to power outages in SE DC - I think everyone is ready to get this game rolling.  Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. 

There are a handful of articles out there about last night's postponement, but all say the same thing so no links this morning.  You can see yesterday's preview post for all of your game previews. 

The big thing to know for tonight is that all tickets bearing either the June 4 or July 22 date will be accepted at the gate this evening.  

If you have any questions or issues leading up to the game, please call United's front office at 202-587-5000 and ask for a customer service representative. 

See you tonight for a game of soccer. 

UPDATE:  Though it pokes fun at the power issues recently at RFK Stadium - in addition to last night's postponement, a batch of lights went out mid-game of United vs. Guadalajara last week - I have to link to this breaking news from The Far Post, one of my favorite blogs.  

DCU vs. Houston postponed (again!)

07/22/2008 3:09 PM by Kyle Sheldon

You're not going to believe this, but tonight's match versus the Houston Dynamo has been postponed due to power outages at RFK Stadium.  The match will take place tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m. and all tickets with the June 4 and July 22 dates will be honored. 

Here's the official dcunited.com release:

I personally offered the Dynamo a deal where we would just take the three points allowing them to go back to Houston, but I don't think they're going to take it. So.. game on tomorrow (hopefully). 

MLS Game #16: DCU vs. Houston redux

07/22/2008 9:05 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Tonight, United and Houston will make-up its June 4 cancelation and resume MLS play after taking almost three weeks off for SuperLiga play.  Though United lost three in a row in the second-year tournament, the team has a six game unbeaten streak in League matches and will look to extend it this evening. 

Game time is 7:30 p.m. at RFK Stadium.  The game is not being televised locally, but can be heard on the radio in english on WFED 1050 and in Spanish on 1350 AM, 1390 AM, 1540 AM and 1600 AM.  Tickets from the June 4 game will be honored at the gate tonight.

Here's what you need to read to get prepared for tonight:

• Steve Goff of the Washington Post writes about the return to MLS play in his preview. 
• John Haydon writes about Francis Doe's emergence in the Washington Times. 
• Craig Stouffer in the Washington Examiner writes United is looking for a different result tonight. 
• For some game notes and a preview, visit dcunited.com. 
• In Houston, Bernardo Fallas of the Chronicle says Houston still has a lot to prove. 
• Here's your weather forecast for tonight, courtesy of Capital Weather Gang. 

And we'll take predictions in the comments - predict the correct score and you might win two tickets to a future DCU game.  

Access United: Houston SuperLiga recap

07/22/2008 9:01 AM by Kyle Sheldon

As the team preps to face the Dynamo tonight - for the second time in four days - here's a look back at Saturday's 3-1 loss to Houston. More Access United on the YouTubes. 

Marc Burch takes to the air

07/21/2008 2:01 PM by Doug Hicks

Two games in four days won't stop Marc Burch from checking in with his favorite morning radio show.  Tomorrow, our friends JP, EB, Cakes and Lurch from the Sports Junkies will talk to Burchy on their radio program.  Tune in on the radio (WJFK 106.7 FM) or listen live at wjfk.com.  The interview should start around 8:45 a.m.

Burch never shies away from speaking his mind, so if you want to ask a question of United's #4 feel free to drop it in the comments below and we'll pass it along to the Junkies tomorrow morning.  

SuperLiga game #3: Houston 3 - DCU 1

07/19/2008 10:36 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Let's move on, shall we?  SuperLiga is over and now the team must turn their focus back to MLS play with a quick three-day turnaround, as Houston stick around for the June 4 make-up game.  Following Tuesday's match at RFK, United will enjoy a much-needed break without a game until Saturday, August 2 (Kansas City Wizards @ RFK Stadium, 7:30 p.m. ET).

A special congratulations to Mike Zaher who made his first team debut tonight, coming on for Bryan Namoff in the 76th minte. 

We'll be back with a few post-game quotes, but I don't think any of us want to dwell on this game, nor this tournament.  I know I don't. 

DCU vs. Houston: Starting lineups

07/19/2008 6:54 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Kickoff is just around the corner and Tom Soehn has named his starting lineup.  With a few tired players after a bunch of games during the last month, the coaching staff has decided to rest a few key players.  Here's the eleven that will take the field to start against Houston:

Zach Wells; Bryan Namoff, Pat Carroll, Devon McTavish, Marc Burch; Craig Thompson, Clyde Simms, Fred, Ryan Cordeiro; Luciano Emilio, Francis Doe. 

Subs: James Thorpe, Quavas Kirk, Rod Dyachenko, Mike Zaher, Dane Murphy,  Jaime Moreno, Gonzalo Martinez. 

SuperLiga game #3: DCU vs. Houston

07/19/2008 8:35 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Well, it will be interesting to see what Tom Soehn and the coaching staff decides to do tonight.  Needing a three goal win over Houston and a Chivas win over Atlante (they kick off at 10 p.m. ET) to advance, it's an obvious long shot.  The coaches may decide it's worth it to go for it or may decide it's such a small chance to advance that it makes sense to rest guys for MLS and Open Cup play.  I'm curious to see which route they go.  Keep in mind, that after tonight's match D.C. and Houston have to face each other in a League match on Tuesday at RFK. 

Tonight's game kicks at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen nationally on Telefutura and locally on Comcast SportsNet.  If radio is your thing, tune in to WFED 1050 AM for Tony Limarzi's call (be sure to also check out the pre and post-game shows!). 

As we wait for the game, be sure to read all of the latest news and views out there:

• Steve Goff writes about the two possible avenues for the match in the Washington Post. 
• John Haydon of the Washington Times says winning by three isn't impossible. 
• Charlie Boehm writes about Jaime Moreno as the team's spark plug at dcunited.com (game notes here)
• From the Houston Chronicle, Bernardo Fallas writes about the double dose of games over the next four days. 
• Get your Capital Weather Gang forecast here. 

As per usual, we'll take predictions in the comments.  If you guess the correct score, you'll have a chance to be randomly selected to win two tickets to an upcoming United game of your choice.  We reserve the right to do whatever the heck we want with all contest on BehindTheBadge.com, by the way. 

D.C. United Academy player honored

07/18/2008 8:56 AM by Kyle Sheldon

We received word early this morning that D.C. United Academy player Paul Torres has been named to the U-15/16 Academy Starting XI for his play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.  The midfielder helped United to a 16-8-6 record and second place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Conference at the U-16 level. 

The Starting XI were voted upon by the Development Academy coaches and National Team scouts. The full team follows:

U-15/16 Academy Starting XI
GK: Rafael Diaz – PDA
D: Zarek Valentin – IMG Soccer Academy
D: Jossimar Sanchez – PDA
D: Ryan Metts – CASL
D: Reginald Phelps – Schulz Academy
M: Johnathan Aguirre – PDA
M: Harrison Petts – Carmel United
M: Eduardo Alvarez – Greensboro
M: Paul Torres – D.C. United
F: Soony Saad – Vardar
F: Austin Oldham – Carmel United

Congrats, Paul! 

Gallardo, Peralta to have surgery

07/17/2008 2:21 PM by Kyle Sheldon

After being evaluated today in Germany, it has been decided that both Marcelo Gallardo and Gonzalo Peralta will need surgery for sports hernias.  Gallardo will have bilateral sports hernia surgery, which will require him to go under the knife both tomorrow and Saturday, while Peralta only needs work done on the left side which will be completed tomorrow. 

Gallardo has not played since United's June 29 win over the Galaxy, while Peralta has been out since the team's July 8 win over Chicago. 

All surgeries will be performed by Dr. Ulrike Muschaweck in Munich, Germany.  In the past, she has performed the same surgery on Bryan Namoff and former United players Justin Moose and Christian Gomez. 

Recovery for this particular surgery generally takes 2-3 weeks. 

UPDATE:  Apparently, a former United forward - who shall remain nameless - checks BehindTheBadge.com periodically.  He just informed me that a number of other former United players have had the same surgery by Dr. Muschaweck including Alecko Eskandarian, Ryan Nelsen and former skipper Peter Nowak.  He also tells me that there is a picture of Nowak on the office wall there that is, according to him, "the FUNNIEST pic - he has curls!"  Thanks for reading.  

Dave Johnson on Redskins, Fenty and United

07/17/2008 1:07 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Be sure to keep an eye on wtop.com for Dave Johnson's regular column 'Dave's Take.'  His most recent piece is especially a good read.  He discussed Mayor Fenty's recent comments about trying to get the Redskins back in D.C. and how it is "a slap in the face" to D.C. United. Give it a read here. 

Dave Johnson is the voice of D.C. United on Comcast SportsNet and has been calling United game since the team's first season.  He is easily one of the best play-by-play men in U.S. soccer.  He can also often be heard on Fox Soccer Channel when not calling United games. Oh, by the way, he's also the radio play-by-play guy for the Wizards and the Sports Director for WTOP.  Safe to say, he keeps pretty busy. 

Carvallo released

07/17/2008 11:07 AM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll officially announce shortly that we've released goalkeeper Jose Carvallo.  The Peruvian joined United on January 28 of this year, but never really fought his way into the first team.  He made a lone first team appearance on April 12 when the team lost to Real Salt Lake 4-0.  He also made six reserve team appearances (five starts), putting together a 2-2-1 record and 1.22 goals-against-average. 

Access United: Atlante recap

07/17/2008 9:25 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Not that anyone really wants to relive this game, but here's the newest Access United with post-game video from the sidelines and interviews with Tom Soehn, Zach Wells, Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno.  Keep in mind that when this was shot, most of the players thought it unlikely that the team could advance into the semis with an 0-2 record.  We now know it's possible, though a bit of a long shot, needing a three goal win over Houston and a Chivas win over Atlante.

United acquires Joe Vide

07/16/2008 4:59 PM by Cris Cruz

We've just announce the club has acquired midfielder Joe Vide. 24-year old Vide was acquired in today's waiver draft after the San Jose Earthquakes waived him on July 14. He was drafted out of the University of Virginia by the MetroStars in 2006. For the official news go to www.dcunited.com.

Vide will be available for selection in next Tuesday's match against the Houston Dynamo. Tickets for that game are available here.

SuperLiga game #2: Atlante 3 - DCU 2

07/15/2008 10:52 PM by Kyle Sheldon

What to say about that match?  Obviously, not the team's best performance.  Tommy Soehn had some strong words in his post-game press conference, which I'll post shortly.  The team is all but eliminated, depending on tonight's result in Houston.  You can read Charlie Boehms dcunited.com account of the game right here. 

The team will take tomorrow off and reconvene on Thursday for training.  Saturday's game against Houston is set for 8 p.m.  The Dynamo will stay in D.C. following the match as the squads will square off again three days later in the make-up game following the June 4 cancelation. 

I've added a few photos to the Video & Pics page. 

UPDATE: Chivas' 1-0 win over Houston means United is still in the hunt to advance to the knockout stage, though not by much.  Here's how it would have to break down:

• Chivas would have to beat Atlante on Saturday and United would need to top Houston; 
• Chivas would win the group with nine points, while each of the other three teams would all have three points each; 
• The first tie-breaker is head-to-head results, but because each team would have beaten one of the others (Houston over Atlante, Atlante over United, United over Houston)  it would go to the second tie-breaker which is goal differential; 
• Following tonight's matches, Houston's goal differential is +3, United's is -2 and Atlante's is -3.  
• All that considered, United would need to beat Houston by three goals in order to go through.  
• Confused yet?

Here are the post-game quotes.. 

Access United: Golf Tournament recap

07/15/2008 7:14 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Hilarity ensues when United players pick up golf clubs.  Though the piece below is kind of funny, you should really think about joining us next year.  It's a fantastic even and really one of the best opportunities to get up close and personal with United's players.  Plus, it raises money for the club's non-profit arm - $55,000 this year!  

Bryan Namoff is not the best golfer on the team.  Gosh, he's nice, though. 

DCU vs. Atlante: Starting lineups

07/15/2008 7:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The big addition to today's 18-man roster is the inclusion of Santino Quaranta to the substitute's bench.  Tino hasn't played since the team's 4-1 win over the Galaxy on June 29, when he left the game after just 27 minutes with a hamstring strain. 

Here's tonight's starting lineup:

Zach Wells; Bryan Namoff, Devon McTavish, Marc Burch, Gonzalo Martinez; Craig Thompson, Clyde Simms, Jaime Moreno, Fred; Luciano Emilio, Francis Doe.

Subs: James Thorpe, Mike Zaher, Pat Carroll, Santino Quaranta, Ryan Cordeiro, Rod Dyachenko, Quavas Kirk. 

The starting team is the exact same group that started the second half against Chivas on Saturday and created several good scoring opportunities.  Here's hoping they do the same tonight and put a few in the back of the net. 

SuperLiga game #2: DCU vs. Atlante

07/15/2008 9:00 AM by Kyle Sheldon

United will look to rebound from its 2-1 loss to Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday when it faces Atlante FC this evening at RFK Stadium in its second SuperLiga Group A match (8 p.m. ET).  The game will be broadcast live on TeleFutura and can also be heard on the radio in english (1050 AM) and spanish (1540 AM).  Be sure to tune in to 1050 AM after the match for the post-game radio show, hosted by Alex Caudana and Tony Limarzi.  They'll have interviews with United players immediately following the game.

A couple of injury updates since Saturday - Gonzalo Peralta is now listed as out (groin strain), while Quavas Kirk (hamstring strain) is available for selection.  

Atlante is coming off a 4-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, so they're likely to come out firing.  As you get ready for tonight's match there's a whole bunch of stuff you should be reading:

• Steve Goff writes about the quick rise of Craig Thompson in the Washington Post. 
• John Haydon's piece in the Washington Times also focuses on United's newest player. 
• Craig Stouffer says United is depleted but ready for Atlante in the Washington Examiner. 
• Via dcunited.com, you can read a few quotes and notes here. 
• Mike Martin at UnitedMania.com also offers a preview here. 
• Get your weather outlook for the match at the Capital Weather Gang blog. 
• Don't have tickets yet for tonight's game?  Get 'em here or at RFK Stadium tonight. 

UPDATE:  I forgot to ask for predictions - anyone got one?  I'll randomly select from the folks who correctly guess the score and provide that individual with two free tickets to an upcoming game of their choice. 

Access United: Chivas de Guadalajara recap

07/14/2008 5:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon

... with comments from Devon McTavish, Luciano Emilio, Fred, Tom Soehn and more.  

Rookie Report: Capitol flashback

07/14/2008 3:54 PM by Dane Murphy

Once upon a time a scrappy thirteen year-old with big dreams came to the city of big ideas for "The Cherry Blossom Festival Soccer Tournament.” He was supposed to get to play soccer on The National Mall with a better-than-average club team. Let it be known that this kid was a bit excited at his prospects. He was previously confined to smaller tournaments in Connecticut and New York but was now able to realize a dream of his by playing in the Capitol. The excitement, however, was short lived.

Mother Nature would have her say as the tournament could have been renamed "The Frozen Rain Festival." The team would end up playing one game at a  local elementary soccer field in Maryland. But, as is often the case in the District, someone who knew someone who knew someone, got this kid and his teammates the opportunity to watch a D.C. United training session.  Afterwards they all got to meet the team – Eddie Pope, Marco Echeverry, John Harkes, Jamie Moreno and others. They got autographs and got to shake hands with some of the club’s best-ever players. The cancellation of the tournament turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the dream of playing in the Capitol was no longer big enough for the boy. The new dream was to play for the Capitol, to play for D.C. United.

Now almost 10 years later that same kid is part of D.C. United. I came up with the idea for this post as I watched the 4th of July fireworks on The National Mall where a young kid once dreamed. Words cannot begin to describe the enormity of the thrill and the sense of pride in being a part of this incredible tradition and this incredible town. Through perseverance and hard work dreams do become reality.

As an update on my current status – I have been named to the team in each of the last three games, including a 2-1 loss to Guadalajara de Chivas this past weekend. That was our first loss in nine games in all competitions and we’ll look to rebound by advancing in the SuperLiga group stage, starting with a game against Atlante tomorrow.

Remember D.C. fans, if you ain’t first, you’re last. Vamos Vamos Vamos, Dale Dale Dale United! 

Video: Comcast SportsNet post-game

07/14/2008 10:26 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Below is some post-game video from Comcast SportsNet, following United's 2-1 loss to CD Guadalajara. 

SuperLiga game #1: Chivas 2 - DCU 1

07/12/2008 11:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon