March 2009 Archives

MLS game #1: DCU @ LA Galaxy

03/22/2009 11:56 AM by Kyle Sheldon

We're just three hours from the beginning of D.C. United's 2009 MLS campaign. The team faces its longtime rival in the LA Galaxy this afternoon at 3 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. You can watch the game locally in the DC area on Comcast SportsNet or nationally on Telefutura.

If you're watching the game from home, be sure to check out the Gameday Edition of dcunited.com - it will provide you with the starting lineups before anyone else, a live chat during the game and anything and everything you might need to know about the Black-and-Red during today's match.

Here are a few things you should read ahead of today's game:

United Looks to Return to Form as Season Begins - Steven Goff, Washington Post
Challenge awaits in United's opener - John Haydon, Washington Times
Galaxy versus D.C. United preview - AP, espn.com
Wicks has new hope with DC United - JP Hoornstra, Whittier Daily News

Finally, as we did through all of last year, feel free to offer your score predictions in the comments below. We'll choose one winner from those who guess correctly to win two tickets to an upcoming United home game.

16 Comments

Final preparations for LA

03/21/2009 7:10 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The team ran through its final training session this afternoon ahead of tomorrow's game against the LA Galaxy. Tom Soehn ran the guys through a long warm-up, played some possession and finally worked on a little shape and movement. With a 12 noon PT kickoff tomorrow, the day will begin early for the team - breakfast is set for 8:15 a.m. while departure for the stadium comes at 10:15 a.m.

Be sure to keep an eye on the brand-spankin' new dcunited.com, as we'll be presenting a brand new 'Gameday Edition' of the home page tonight. Tomorrow, it will include a live chat and other great features, so be sure to visit during the game.

5 Comments

LA arrival

03/20/2009 11:29 PM by Kyle Sheldon

After five hours on the plane, the team has arrived in the Los Angeles area. We were lucky to fly out on Virgin America, which has mini media players in the back of every seat. Being able to watch ESPN and Comedy Central makes a five hour trip go much more quickly.

The guys will have a chance to sleep in tomorrow morning - and adjust their internal clocks - ahead of a 12 noon (PT) training session out at the Home Depot Center. They'll have the rest of the afternoon off to relax and explore LA ahead of Sunday's game against the Galaxy.

If you're not in LA, think about watching the game with other United fans at the official viewing party at Momo's on U Street.

More tomorrow.

2 Comments

Photo of the Day, Santino Quaranta

Video: Soehn on Washington Post Live

03/20/2009 11:27 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Here's the video from Tom Soehn's appearance yesterday on Washington Post Live, previewing the 2009 season and Sunday's game against the LA Galaxy..

0 Comments

Tom Soehn, Video

Media: Tom Soehn on Washington Post Live

03/19/2009 2:24 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Be sure to check out this evening's edition of Washingon Post Live on Comcast SportsNet. Head Coach Tom Soehn will be on with host Russ Thaler to discuss all things D.C. United as the team kicks-off the season on Sunday against the LA Galaxy.

Washington Post Live is on Monday-Friday from 5-6:30 p.m. ET. Tommy is scheduled to be not too far after the show starts.

1 Comments

Media, Tom Soehn

Welcome to the new dcunited.com

03/19/2009 3:00 AM by Kyle Sheldon

And we're live.

Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below. There's still a lot more to come, but we're really excited about the start.

26 Comments

Bloggable, Media, News

Photo of the Day: Video shoot!

03/18/2009 9:02 PM by Kyle Sheldon

How do you know the season is really getting close? Today, the team donned their new 2009 kits for a video shoot in the media room in the depths of RFK Stadium. The footage will be used for player introductions during home matches. We snapped a few behind the scenes photos, which you can see here.

3 Comments

Video: United in Maryland

03/18/2009 4:31 PM by Kyle Sheldon

On Tuesday, March 17, D.C. United supporters made their way to Maryland to show support for the club's potential stadium in Prince George's County. Here's the video.

3 Comments

In the Community, Stadium

Video: mlsnet.com's 'Rookie Life'

03/17/2009 10:53 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Check out episode 1 of mlsnet.com's new webisode "Rookie Life: Diary of a Draft Pick." The show follows eight rookies through their first season in MLS and includes United's seventh overall pick, Chris Pontius. It looks like it's going to be a great, so be sure to look for new episodes...

1 Comments

Chris Pontius, Video

Fantasy Challenge: Join us before Thursday!

03/17/2009 5:07 PM by Kyle Sheldon

You can certainly join our Fantasy Challenge group after the season starts, but your best chance to win is to have your team ready to roll by Thursday night, in time for the first MLS game of the season.

Info on how to register - and all of the sweet prize packages - is available here.

0 Comments

Fantasy Challenge

Meet one of the "Senadora" models

03/17/2009 4:02 PM by Cris Cruz

Alba Galindo, one of the “Senadora” models on Univision’s popular weekly sports show “República Deportiva” (Sports Republic), will be making an appearance this weekend at D.C. United’s tryouts for Sueño MLS 2009 - built by The Home Depot. Alba will be available for pictures and autographs on Saturday, March 21 from 2:30pm - 4:00 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The tryouts will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. Among the scouts evaluating talent will be former United star Raúl Díaz Arce and D.C. United Director of Youth Development John Maessner. Waiting list spots are still available by visiting www.SuenoMLS.com. Additionally, players are invited to visit the SoccerPlex on Saturday as a select number of spots will be available on a “walk-on” basis.

1 Comments

News

Audio: Tom Soehn on World Soccer Daily

03/17/2009 10:36 AM by Kyle Sheldon

In case you missed it, here is Tom Soehn's interview on World Soccer Daily yesterday.

1 Comments

Audio, Tom Soehn

Video: Bone marrow drive

03/17/2009 9:20 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Here's a look at Sunday's bone marrow drive at RFK Stadium. Eddie Pope and Ben Olsen talk about the supporting Real Salt Lake's Andy Williams and his wife, Marcia, who has Leukemia and is in need of a donor.

1 Comments

Ben Olsen, Eddie Pope, In the Community, Video

Photo of the Day: Finding a donor

03/16/2009 3:31 PM by Kyle Sheldon

(Above, Boyzzz Khumalo and Christian Gomez fill out donor information forms)

Yesterday, D.C. United hosted a bone marrow drive in partnership with DKMS and Soccer Unites Utah. Our Director of Community Relations, Aprile Prtichet, passed along a quick recap:

Even though it was a rainy, dreary day, more than 100 people including D.C. United staff and fans showed up to be screened at D.C. United's bone marrow drive in support of Marcia Williams. In addition, almost all of the D.C. United players were tested in hopes to be a match. It is such a great thing when the community comes together for such an important cause.

For more information on becoming a donor, visit the DKMS website.

2 Comments

In the Community

Reminder: Stadium rally Tuesday

03/16/2009 2:07 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Just a quick reminder about tomorrow's stadium rally in Annapolis. Here are the basics:

What: D.C. United Stadium Rally

When: 12 noon, Tuesday, March 17

Where: Annapolis City Dock, 1 Dock St., Annapolis, MD

Who: D.C. United stadium supporters

Take a long lunch. Wear your D.C. United gear. Bring a friend.

More info here.

1 Comments

Stadium

Tom Soehn on World Soccer Daily

03/16/2009 11:14 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Tune in to today's edition of World Soccer Daily to hear an interview with United Head Coach Tom Soehn. Tommy will be on live with hosts Steven Cohen and Kenny Hassan at about 2:15 p.m. ET.

To call the studio and ask Tommy a question, dial 866-925-8255 or send an email here.

The program runs Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. You can listen live on Sirius Radio channel 125.

1 Comments

Media, Tom Soehn

Get yourself to RFK Stadium today

03/15/2009 12:41 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We're hosting a bone marrow drive this afternoon at RFK Stadium and if you're in the DC area there is no excuse for you not to be there. The drive is from 12-5 p.m. ET. Park in Lot 5 and enter the stadium through Gate A.

All you have to do is fill out a form and rub a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek - it takes ten minutes and can help save a life.

More info here.

0 Comments

In the Community

Tom Soehn post-game quotes

03/14/2009 11:30 PM by Kyle Sheldon

On the game:

We still have a few things to work on – I thought our spacing wasn’t great in the first half. Combining, we weren’t patient enough as far as keeping the ball and making them work. We did it towards the end of the first half and in the second half we did a little bit better.

On Luciano Emilio:

Second half, we talked a little bit about what his role needed to be – he needed to work a little harder finding the spaces for second balls and checking into those gaps and he started to that and he probably got twice as many touches as he did in the first half.

On tonight’s lineup and formation:

We took some injuries in the first game, so we were trying out different people to make sure we knew what our approach was going to be. We learned a lot, but we still have some things to figure out.

On his concerns coming out of the pre-season:

I think the one thing, especially losing a couple veteran guys now that first game, is that we’re pretty young. We’re going to have good energy, but we’ll probably make some young mistakes. Through this tournament we made some young mistakes, but they learned form them – especially our backs. I thought the backs performance tonight was much better and they need to grow together as a unit by playing.

On the 3-5-2 formation:

We’ve been trying different things. I think the ability to do different things for different teams in different situation is always important.

1 Comments

Pre-season match #6: DCU 2 - Battery 0

03/14/2009 11:11 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United defeated the Charleston Battery 2-0 on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in the final game of the 2009 Carolina Challenge Cup. Second half goals from Luciano Emilio and Andrew Jacobson were the difference, as United finished the annual tournament with a 1-2 record.

The first half was a scoreless affair with both teams creating a handful of half-chances. United had the better of possession throughout – especially as the half wore one – and their best chance to score came in the 34^th minute when Clyde Simms struck a rocket from 35-plus yards that sailed just over the cross bar.

United’s first goal came in the 57^th minute when a long ball was played out of the back into the Battery’s half of the field. Ange N’Silu rose up over his defender and flicked the ball with his head into the path of Emilio. Emilio collected the ball and carried it past one defender and into the Battery penalty area before striking a low show with his right food that snuck past goalkeeper Keith Wiggans and into the far corner of the net.

The Battery had two good chances to score midway through the second half. In the 67^th minute, Nelson Akwari got on the end of a Tsuyoshi Yoshitake free kick and sent a header towards goal. Newly acquired goalkeeper Josh Wicks had to move quickly to his right and make a diving save right on the goal line.

Minutes later, Yoshitake during the run of play sent a deep cross to the far post that found the head of Pedro Faife. His ensuing header was on frame and barely deflected by Wicks who pushed the ball high enough so that it careened off the cross bar.

D.C.’s second tally of the night came in the 81^st minute after an impressive combination of passes from the Black-and-Red. The play begin just on United’s half of the field when Brandon Barklage gained possession of the ball. The midfielder fed a pass to Chris Pontius who lofted a ball over a Battery defender to an onrushing Francis Doe in the Battery’s corner. Doe laid the ball back to Barklage who then drove a low ball centrally to a Emilio 20 yards from goal. Emilio trapped the well-hit pass and then laid the ball off to Andrew Jacobson who had advanced up the right side of the field. Jacobson struck the ball with his first touch towards goal and as it careened towards the net took a slight deflection off a Battery player and then past Wiggans.

The 2-0 lead would stand at the final whistle ten minutes later.

Tonight’s game wraps-up D.C. United’s 2009 pre-season. The team departs Charleston at 5 a.m. Sunday morning to return to the District. The guys will enjoy Monday off before gathering again at RFK Stadium on Tuesday to begin preparations for the season-opener against the LA Galaxy.

Scoring summary:

DCU – Luciano Emilio (Ange N’Silu) 57

DCU – Andrew Jacobson (Luciano Emilio) 81

Lineups:

DCU: Milos Kocic (Josh Wicks 45); Dejan Jakovic, Greg Janicki (Anthony Peters 80), Marc Burch (Brandon Barklage 73); Boyzzz Khumalo (Andrew Jacobson 45), Clyde Simms, Devon McTavish, Christian Gomez (Chris Pontius 65), Rodney Wallace; Luciano Emilio (Domenic Mediate 86), Ange N’Silu.

CHR: Dusty Hudock (Keith Wiggans 45); John Wilson (O’Brian Woodbine 45), Nelson Akwari, Matt Bobo (Nigel Marples 45), Frankie Sanfilippo; Tyler Hemming, Chris Williams Tsuyoshi Yoshitake 45), David Kenga (Pedro Faife 45), Kenji Treschuk; Ian Fuller, Darren Spicer (Chris Salvaggione 72).

4 Comments

Live chat: D.C. United vs. Charleston Battery

03/14/2009 6:35 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Join us on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET for a live chat from Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, SC, where D.C. United will be taking on the Charleston Battery in a rematch of last year's U.S. Open Cup championship game (and battling for the Coffee Pot Cup!).

0 Comments

DCU vs. Battery starting lineup

03/14/2009 4:08 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The team just finished its pre-game meal where Head Coach Tom Soehn revealed this evening's starting lineup. The team will begin the game in a 3-5-2 formation:

-------------N'Silu-----------Emilio---------------

----------------------Gomez------------------------

Wallace--------------------------------Khumalo

----------McTavish-------Simms---------------

--------------------------------------------------------

------Burch--------Janicki-------Jakovic-----

--------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------Kocic-------------------------

More from Blackbaud Stadium around 6:30.

0 Comments

Pre-season match #6: DCU vs. Charleston Battery

03/14/2009 11:54 AM by Kyle Sheldon

It's been nearly eight weeks since D.C. United players first began reporting to RFK Stadium for the beginning of the 2009 pre-season and now the team has one final game before its first full week of regular season training. Tonight, the team will take on the Charleston Battery in the final game of the Carolina Challenge Cup. Tomorrow, they'll return to D.C. and begin focusing on the first game of the 2009 MLS season. We are but eight days away from the season opener in Los Angeles against the Galaxy (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET - Comcast SportsNet, TeleFutura).

This morning, the team began their gameday routine with breakfast and then a walk and stretch. They'll gather again for a team meal at 3:30 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff this evening.

A piece of bad news for those not in Charleston - Toronto FC has decided not to provide streaming video of the evening's second game, so you'll have to follow along in either our live chat or via Twitter. The live chat will provide more of a running commentary, while Twitter will provide you with goal updates.

As we wrap up the 2009 pre-season, here's a look at the team's five (six after tonight) games:

2/6: L, DCU 1 - Vejle Bolkdklub 4 (N'Silu 1)
2/10: W, DCU 2 - Columbus Crew 1 (Emilio 1, Pontius 1)
2/21: W, DCU 2 - Puerto Rico Islanders 1 (Gomez 1, Simms 1)
3/7: L, DCU 0 - Real Salt Lake 3
3/11: L, DCU 1 - Toronto FC 2 (Pontius 2)
3/14: DCU vs. Charleston Battery

I'll be back later with tonight's starting lineup.

1 Comments

Eddie Pope, In the Community

Chris Pontius radio interview

03/13/2009 8:22 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Here is a radio interview Chris Pontius recently took part in with Patrick Kinmartin of 101soccer.com. Chris joins the show about a third of the way through...

0 Comments

Chris Pontius, Media

Kocic signed

03/12/2009 3:04 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Very shortly, we'll officially announce that goalkeeper Milos Kocic has been signed to the developmental roster. The Serbian was drafted in the second round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. More to come on dcunited.com.

1 Comments

Milos Kocic, News

Support United's stadium efforts

03/12/2009 2:41 PM by Doug Hicks

Dear United supporters,

Earlier this week, Kevin Payne asked for your support in e-mailing and calling state and county lawmakers with messages of support for our stadium proposal in Prince George's County. You responded with a deluge of e-mails that has dwarfed anything Annapolis has ever witnessed. It is truly moving the needle for us and we'll forever appreciate the passion, the creativity and the effort you all continue to display in support of our organization on the field and off.

We're again asking for your support next Tuesday in Annapolis. While we know that many of you have work obligations, we're asking our supporters, that are able, to join us at hearings before the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. Our fans will gather at 12 noon at Annapolis City Dock, which is the harbor front park at the end of the boardwalk in downtown Annapolis. People should park at meters or the city garage on Duke of Gloucester Street. Typing Susan Campbell Park, Annapolis, MD into google maps will give you the exact location.

The hearing mentioned is the first and, perhaps, most important step as the state legislature considers the bills that will enable D.C. United to contract with the Maryland Stadium Authority to build a new stadium in Prince George's County. The hearings begin at 1:00 p.m. Our collective presence is hugely important.

Those wishing to travel en masse to Annapolis may gather at RFK Stadium. A caravan will leave Lot 5 at 11:00 a.m.  In the meantime, please continue to send e-mails via this link. They do make a difference. We're also encouraging fans to write and call Governor O'Malley, Lt. Governor Brown, and the Secretary of State's office.

What: D.C. United Stadium Rally

When: 12 noon, Tuesday, March 17

Where: Annapolis City Dock, 1 Dock St., Annapolis, MD

Who: D.C. United stadium supporters

Thanks again for all that you do. D.C. United's great strength is the collection of players, staff and fans that make up our family. Together, we achieve great things.

Sincerely,

Doug Hicks

Vice President, Communications

1 Comments

Stadium

Video: DCU-TFC highlights

03/12/2009 12:20 PM by Kyle Sheldon

0 Comments

Pre-Season, Toronto FC, Video

Letter from Eddie

03/12/2009 9:08 AM by Doug Hicks

Our good friend Eddie Pope wrote in today in support of the club's plans to team up with Soccer Unites Utah and DKMS Americas to host a bone marrow drive Sunday, March 15 at RFK Stadium from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Participants may park in Lot 5 and enter the building through the Administrative Entrance.

The letter...

Dear D.C. United Fans,

I want to thank each and every one of you for all of your support over the length of my career. You all were definitely my 12th man even when I happened to be wearing a different uniform! Unfortunately, today I am writing to all of you under saddened circumstances. As some of you may already know, Andy Williams, midfielder of Real Salt Lake and the Jamaican National team, is going through a trying period. His wife, Marcia, has been diagnosed with Leukemia and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. They have two beautiful children Shai 14 and Alexia 5 who are constantly wondering if their mom will be OK.

When I thought of the best way to help, you guys came to mind. You were and are always there for the Black and Red and I know you will be there for a friend of OURS in soccer. We would like to have a thousand donors at a minimum. Pulling off those numbers will be difficult and amazing but we have always loved a challenge haven’t we?! D.C. United has historically been known as a first class organization as well as a championship powerhouse. Your 2009 team is already living up to that reputation as they will be donating to help Marcia’s cause as well. Please join me this Sunday, March 15, 2009 at RFK Stadium (2400 East Capital Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003 in the media room) from 12-5 pm. If you have friends who would like to help save a life please bring them along. We desperately need as many people as possible.

This process only involves a cheek swab and that’s it! Additionally, if you are someone of Jamaican, Caribbean Indian or African-American descent, you definitely need to attend. However, ANYONE can end up being a match for Marcia regardless of race or ethnic background! Hope to see you all there in BIG numbers.

Warmest regards,

Eddie Pope

1 Comments

DCU-TFC photos

03/11/2009 9:20 PM by Kyle Sheldon

I've added a few photos from tonight's game against Toronto to the Flickr account. Thanks again to the Charleston Battery for providing.

0 Comments

Post-game quotes: Tom Soehn

03/11/2009 9:17 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Here's what Head Coach Tom Soehn had to say after tonight's 2-1 loss to Toronto...

"We're still trying different things out and in the first half they just outworked us and out-competed us and it showed all over the field. I think we had about ten minutes where we came out and after that it was all about them. Again, we're still trying different pieces and making sure we understand what works best together and the second half we came out with some life. We moved things around a bit and it was a different game."

"I think you use everything as a learning experience. There's always a positive. In the first half you learn what you did wrong and you get a good example of what you need to do to be successful. In the second half I thought we did a lot of that, so there's learning lessons in everything. "

0 Comments

Pre-Season, Tom Soehn, Toronto FC

Pre-season match #5: DCU 1 - TFC 2

03/11/2009 7:54 PM by Kyle Sheldon

United fell for the second game in a row in Carolina Challenge Cup play Wednesday evening at Blackbaud Stadium. Chad Barrett and Dwayne De Rosario – from the penalty spot – scored in the first half for Toronto, while Chris Pontius registered a goal in the second for the 2-1 final score.

In the early going, United controlled possession and looked to have the better of play. In the 14^th minute, a ball was played across half field to Luciano Emilio’s feet. The forward redirected the ball with his first touch into the path of Jaime Moreno who then played it square to Christian Gomez. Gomez returned the ball to Moreno deep in Toronto territory, who in turn laid it back for Ben Olsen. The midfielder struck a bending ball deep to the far post with his first touch to an open Chris Pontius, but the ensuing header on goal was corralled by goalkeeper Greg Sutton.

As the half progressed, Toronto maintained possessions of the ball and created more significant chances on goal.

In the 21^st minute, Toronto got on the board after United was unable to clear the ball out of its box. As the ball bounced around United’s box, Pablo Vitti rose and headed the ball to the right to a waiting Dwayne De Rosario. The midfielder collected the ball and crossed it centrally to Chad Barrett who rose above his defender and headed it to the near post, past goalkeeper Milos Kocic, for the 1-0 lead.

In the 32^nd minute, Toronto doubled its lead when Rohan Ricketts fed a ball through United’s defense to Amado Guevera. The Honduran international took a touch and got tangled up with Greg Janicki. Guevera fell to the ground and was awarded a penalty. On the ensuing spot kick, De Rosario placed the ball in the left side of the net as goalkeeper Milos Kocic guessed the wrong way and dove right.

Toronto almost got their third goal five minutes from halftime when Pablo Vitti fed a streaking Ricketts behind D.C.’s backline. Ricketts carried the ball into the box all alone on Kocic, but his shot missed wide right.

United had one final chance to get on the board in the half, as Ben Olsen whipped in a nice cross from the right side. Luciano Emilio rose and met the ball with his head, but Sutton was up to the task and wrapped the ball up fairly easily.

Head Coach Tom Soehn made a host of changes to his first half lineup and also moved the team into a 3-5-2 formation. The moves seemed to work, as United improved throughout the course of the second stanza.

It took United just three minutes to get on the board when substitute Boyzzz Khumalo collected the ball and fed a pass across the half line to Emilio. Emilio trapped and held off a defender as Khumalo sprinted up the right sideline. The Brazilian forward then turned and struck a lofted ball that landed just outside the goal box, which Khumalo ran onto and fed into the goal box, past Toronto’s defenders. The ball fell directly into the path of a streaking Pontius who scored on his first touch past a diving Sutton.

United continued to put pressure on Toronto’s defense, creating a handful of half-chances. One saw Pontius barely put one over the bar and another saw Wallace almost get hold of loose ball deep in Toronto’s goal box and sneak the ball past Sutton. In the 76^th, a loose ball fell to Devon McTavish who hit a shot a few feet wide from 22 yards.

As the game approached the final whistle, neither team looked as if it were going to tally before the end of the match when, in the 90^th minute, Francis Doe received a ball several yards outside of Toronto’s box. The forward dribbled inside the 18, cut back one defender and struck a shot on frame that Sutton barely got a hand to, pushing it just high enough to slam off the cross bar.

The final whistle would come moments later and leave D.C. at 0-2 in the tournament. The team’s final game in the Challenge Cup is set for Saturday evening against the host Charleston Battery. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Scoring summary

TFC – Chad Barrett (Dwayne De Rosario) 21

TFC – Dwayne De Rosario (penalty) 34

DCU – Chris Pontius (Boyzzz Khumalo, Luciano Emilio) 48

Lineups

DCU: Milos Kocic; Domenic Mediate (Marc Burch 45), Greg Janicki, Dejan Jakovic, Rodney Wallace; Ben Olsen (Boyzzz Khumalo 45), Clyde Simms (Andrew Jacobson 45), Christian Gomez (Devon McTavish 45), Chris Pontius; Luciano Emilio (Francis Doe 62), Jaime Moreno (Ange N’Silu 45)

TFC: Greg Sutton; Marvell Wynne, Jim Brennan, Adrian Serioux, Kevin Harmse; Rohan Ricketts (Souleymane Mamam 76), Sam Cronin, Amado Guevara, Dwayne De Rosario; Chad Barrett (Danny Dichio 78), Pablo Vitti (Fuad Ibrahim 72)

1 Comments

Kevin Payne issues statement

03/11/2009 4:01 PM by Kyle Sheldon

On behalf of the club, D.C. United President Kevin Payne today issued a statement in regards to a local media report written this morning:

“We would like to take this opportunity to clear up a misunderstanding reported in this morning’s Washington Post: D.C. United has not changed its position with regard to the financing of our Stadium in Prince George’s County.

The story, which appeared in the Metro Section under the headline “Team Now Asking Pr. George’s to Pay Part,” is incorrect in reporting that there has been a change in plan to include the county - from day one, this project was discussed as a joint venture between the State, County, and D.C. United.

In every presentation we have ever done, beginning last year and including the public presentation yesterday, there has always been a presumed contribution from the County, derived from the County’s share of the brand new tax revenue the Stadium will generate.

We have always relied on the findings of the expert economic analysis the State commissioned last year. That comprehensive study, conducted over a period of seven months, makes certain projections regarding new economic activity in the State and County, and expected new revenue as a result. It shows financing from the State and County at a level paid in full by new tax revenue generated by the stadium.

Confusion seems to have arisen out of a question about amendments necessary for the bill before the State Legislature. The present version does not contain any reference to the County because the County had not yet decided how it was going to use its share of the new tax revenue to help finance the stadium. The amendment is a technical matter, not a change in plan.

Our list of frequently asked questions, available at dcunited.com and in a number of other places, addresses this issue, and many of the others that were posed by the council-members yesterday.

We have spoken with the Post and hope this will be clarified in future articles. These are complex issues, which require some time to understand - we have nothing to hide and have been very open in our engagement of elected officials and the public.

We are continuing to work with the community and elected leaders as we settle on a site for our project, and look forward to next week’s hearing before the House Appropriations Committee.”

3 Comments

Kevin Payne

Live chat: D.C. United vs. Toronto FC

03/11/2009 3:02 PM by Kyle Sheldon

0 Comments

Pre-season match #5: Starting lineup

03/11/2009 1:46 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Tonight, D.C. United will attempt to recover from a very disappointing first game - a 3-0 loss to Salt Lake - in the Carolina Challenge Cup when it takes on Toronto FC (5 p.m. ET).

Good news for you: TFC flew in their video crew and are streaming tonight's game via TFC TV. We'll be providing the video here on Behind the Badge and will also offer fans an opportunity to interact during the match with a live chat beginning at 4:30 p.m. - which will also include updates from the stadium (I'll also be providing periodic updates on Twitter).

Note #1: Mamadou 'Futty' Danso has rejoined the team in Charleston. Danso was originally acquired on Feb. 13 via waivers and trained with the team for a couple weeks before being let go prior to Charleston.

Note #2: Newly acquired Josh Wicks will arrive in Charleston this evening, but not be available for the game.

And now, here is tonight's starting lineup:

------------Moreno-----------Emilio--------------

----------------------Gomez------------------------

Pontius-------------------------------------Olsen

----------------------Simms------------------------

Wallace---------------------------------Mediate

--------------Jakovic-----Janicki---------------

-------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------Kocic------------------------

Subs: James Thorpe, Ryan Miller, Marc Burch, Futty Danso, Anthony Peters, Devon McTavish, Andrew Jacobson, Brandon Barklage, Ange N'Silu, Boyzzz Khumalo, Francis Doe.

Unavailable due to injury: Louis Crayton, Bryan Namoff, Fred, Santino Quaranta.

Join us at 4:30 for all the fun.

1 Comments

Josh Wicks acquired

03/10/2009 3:30 PM by Kyle Sheldon

I just received word from General Manager Dave Kasper that the team has acquired LA Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Wicks. In exchange, we're providing LA with a conditional 2010 SuperDraft pick.

"Josh has a lot of qualities that we are excited about," said Kasper. "He is extremely athletic, a good organizer and has a big presence in goal. We look forward to what he can bring to our club in the future."

Last year was Wicks first season with the Galaxy. He saw time in six games (five starts), putting together a record of 1-2-3 and a goals-against average of 2.18. Previously, he played three seasons in the United Soccer League - spending 2007 with the Portland Timbers and 2005 and 2006 with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He won the 2006 USL championship with Vancouver and was named the 2007 Goalkeeper of the Year while in Portland.

From 2001-04, the 25-year old played at Cal State Bakersfield.

More to come on dcunited.com.

4 Comments

Josh Wicks, News

Behind the Badge fantasy challenge

03/10/2009 2:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Today, Major League Soccer announced registration is open for the 2009 edition of the MLS Fantasy Challenge. If you're into winning sweet prizes, I've created a League for those of you that follow us here.

Joining is simple:

1. Click here

2. Register

3. Search for League name: Behind The Badge

4. Select your team before 11:30 a.m. ET on March 21

If you happen to be one of the best managers at the end of the season, you could win big. Prizes will be awarded for the top three finishers:

First place: Four tickets to D.C. United's 2010 home-opener, a ball autographed by the entire 2009 squad and a personalized ringtone from your favorite United player (yes, that's right - you could have Luciano Emilio saying "I'm Luciano Emilio and someone is trying to call you! Pick up!"

Second place: Two tickets to D.C. United's 2010 home-opener and an autographed player card from the player of your choice.

Third place: Two tickets to D.C. United's 2010 home-opener.

Think you can beat me? Doubt it.

4 Comments

Fantasy Challenge

D.C. United needs your support - act now!

03/10/2009 11:51 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Dear D.C. United supporter,

We need your help! Several groups who oppose our stadium are bombarding Maryland state and county legislators with e-mails and letters asking them to block our proposed new stadium.

Perhaps the up-beat news conference several weeks ago caused our supporters to think this was a done deal -- but nothing could be further from the truth.

It's time for you to weigh in strongly and let them know of your support for our stadium plans!

It doesn't matter where you live -- if you support us and want to see us in the type of stadium our club and our fans deserve, you need to take action now!!! If you live in Maryland, let them know, but, regardless, your support will make all the difference.

The most important to contact at this time are the members of the House of Delegates Committee on Budget and Appropriations, which will hold a hearing on our bill next Tuesday, and the Senate Tax and Finance Committee, which will also hold a hearing next week on the bill. (Click here for a list.)

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of this. We have to let the lawmakers know that we want the stadium, and we'll fill it up once it's built. A failure in this effort could have far-reaching effects -- the bottom line is we cannot remain long-term in RFK, and this is the only stadium option, which is available to us now.

Don't take anything for granted. Call or e-mail today, if you care about your team!

Kevin Payne

President, D.C. United

2 Comments

Kevin Payne

Monday updates

03/09/2009 2:05 PM by Kyle Sheldon

A few updates form Charleston...

Santino Quaranta, Fred, Louis Crayton and Bryan Namoff were all held out of training after picking up injuries in Saturday night's game. Quaranta and Fred both have hamstring strains, Crayton has a strained hip flexor and Namoff has a rib contusion. They'll continue to be evaluated in the coming days.
Goalkeeper Nic Platter has been let go without being offered a contract.

The session this morning began with a full field, 11-v-11 scrimmage. The scrimmage was a short one with two 15 minute halves, but did manage to provide three goals.

Team Black: James Thorpe; Ryan Miller, Domenic Mediate, Anthony Peters, Marc Burch; Ben Olsen, Devon McTavish, Christian Gomez, Boyzzz Khumalo, Luciano Emilio, Ange N'Silu.

Team Orange: Milos Kocic, Tom Soehn, Dejan Jakovic, Greg Janicki, Rodney Wallace; Brandon Barklage, Clyde Simms, Andrew Jacobson, Chris Pontius; Jaime Moreno, Francis Doe.

The first goal came in the 13th minute, when Andrew Jacobson won a header at midfield and put Francis Doe behind the defense. Doe carried the ball into the goal box and finished the 1-on-1 to the right side of James Thorpe.

Team Orange doubled their lead in the 23rd minute after a defensive miscue. A long ball was lofted towards the top of the 18-yard line where a collision between Thorpe, Domenic Mediate and Doe - all trying to gain control of the ball - resulted in the ball falling right onto the foot of Chris Pontius 35 yards from goal. Pontius struck the bouncing ball with his first touch over the scrum and into the back of the net.

Team Black got one back two minutes later when a giveaway deep in Team Orange's defensive half led to a throw-in. Boyzzz Khumalo corralled the ensuing toss and sent a cross into the box that found the foot of Ange N'Silu. The streaking forward struck the ball with his first touch past Kocic and into the near post.

The morning's session concluded with some finishing drills.

With an eye towards having the guys fresh for Wednesday's game against Toronto FC, the team will simply be put through a short pool workout this evening.

5 Comments

DCU-RSL photos

03/07/2009 10:55 PM by Kyle Sheldon

I've added a few photos from tonight's game right.... here. Thanks to the Charleston Battery for providing.

2 Comments

Pre-Season, Real Salt Lake

Pre-season match #4: DCU 0 - RSL 3

03/07/2009 8:15 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United endured a difficult first match in the annual Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, SC Saturday night. The Black-and-Red fell 3-0 to Real Salt Lake, and suffered two red card dismissals and three injuries during the match.

The first match of the Saturday night double-header began slowly for both clubs, as possession was hard to come by in the early going. Both teams did their best to settle in but neither found the ball under its control for long stretches.

United suffered the first of many setbacks in just the 10^th minute, when goalkeeper Louis Crayton tweaked his quad trying to strike a ball. He was unable to continue and was replaced by trialist Nic Platter shortly thereafter.

United’s first good chance to get on the board came in the 19^th minute when Luciano Emilio collected the ball with his back to the goal, just outside the 18-yard box, and laid off a slightly bouncing ball for a streaking Clyde Simms. Simms struck the ball first time on a half volley, narrowly missing the goal to the left, past a diving Chris Seitz.

D.C.’s best chance to score developed in the 32^nd minute when Francis Doe was given the ball just on the other side of half. He carried the ball deep into Salt Lake territory and chipped a ball towards a sprinting Fred on the right side of the field. From 15 yards, Fred’s first-time volley sailed wide left. The midfielder pulled his hamstring on the play and was removed for Chris Pontius.

Three minutes later, Salt Lake had an odd-man break after a turnover. The ball was sprayed left to an onrushing Chris Wingert. As the RSL defender moved towards the ball, United’s Dejan Jakovic – making his debut in black – attempted to close the angle, hesitating briefly. Jakovic laid full out in a slide tackle towards Wingert, narrowly missing the ball and clipping the sprinting RSL defender. The referee judged the play to be dangerous and gave United’s defender a straight red.

The 0-0 score stood at the halftime whistle.

Salt Lake wasted little time getting on the board in the second half. Four minutes in, Raphael Cox corralled the ball deep in United’s left corner of the field. The midfielder lofted a cross to the near post for Luis Escalada. The forward’s diving header re-directed the ball to the far post, past a helpless Platter, striking the woodwork before deflecting into the back of the net.

In the 65^th, Salt Lake’s Tony Beltran was put through on the right side by Kyle Beckerman. Beltran ensuing cross was heading towards Will Johnson, but a recovering Santino Quaranta broke up the play. Unfortunately, Quaranta injured himself on the play and had to be replaced by Rodney Wallace.

As the game approached the final 20 minutes, things began to open up. Second half sub Jaime Moreno had a chance snared by goalkeeper Nick Rimando and Christian Gomez was almost put through on a nice ball by Chris Pontius, but the pass was just out of reach and collected by Rimando.

In the 76^th minute, Salt Lake doubled their lead when Clint Mathis gathered the ball near midfield and lofted a chip over the United defense to Yura Movsisyan. In alone on goal, Movsisyan struck the bouncing ball with his first touch over an approaching Platter and into the back of the net.

In the 88^th minute, RSL’s Michael Osci was put behind D.C.’s defense. Anthony Peters attempted to recover and tackle the ball away, but clipped Osci and took him out of the play. Peters was the last defender and was thus ejected. On the ensuing free kick – from 22 yards – Andy Williams curled a well-hit ball into the upper left corner for the 3-0 lead and the exclamation point on the evening.

The goal would stand as the final of the night and resulted in a tournament-opening loss for United. The team is back in action on Wednesday night against Toronto FC.

Scoring summary:

RSL – Escalada (Cox) 49

RSL – Movsisyan (Mathis) 76

RSL – Williams (unassisted) 89

Lineups

DCU: Louis Crayton (Nic Platter 11); Bryan Namoff (Domenic Mediate 45), Greg Janicki (Anthony Peters 81), Dejan Jakovic, Marc Burch (Brandon Barklage 81); Ben Olsen (Christian Gomez 63), Clyde Simms (Andrew Jacobson 77), Fred (Chris Pontius 34), Santino Quaranta (Rodney Wallace 65); Luciano Emilio (Jaime Moreno 72), Francis Doe (Ange N’Silu 45 [Devon McTavish 89]).

RSL: Chris Seitz (Nick Rimando 45); Tony Beltran, Jamison Olave (Nat Borchers 70), David Horst, Chris Wingert; Raphael Cox (Jean Alexandre 70), Kyle Beckerman (Ned Grabavoy 70), Javier Morales (Clint Mathis 70), Will Johnson (Andy Williams 70); Yura Movsisyan (Michael Osci 78), Luis Escalada (Robbie Findley 70)

Misconduct summary:

RSL – Kyle Beckerman (caution)

DCU – Dejan Jakovic (ejection) 35

DCU – Anthony Peters (ejection) 88

1 Comments

Pre-season match #4: Starting lineup

03/07/2009 2:50 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United kicks off the 2009 edition of the Carolina Challenge Cup this evening against Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET and I'll be providing live updates on Twitter. With the season-opener just two weeks away, Head Coach Tom Soehn is running out a starting lineup made primarily of veterans.

Here's the group that will face RSL at the opening whistle:

----------Doe---------------Emilio--------------

---------------------Fred--------------------------

Quaranta---------------------------------Olsen

--------------------Simms------------------------

Burch-----------------------------------Namoff

-------------Jakovic-----Janicki---------------

-----------------------------------------------------

--------------------Crayton----------------------

Dejan Jakovic will make his debut in black this evening. With no major injuries, everyone else on the trip will be available for selection.

More from Blackbaud Stadium as the game gets started: TwitterTwitterTwitterTwitterTwitterTwitter!

1 Comments

Pre-Season, Real Salt Lake

Read

03/07/2009 11:19 AM by Kyle Sheldon

The team had breakfast together this morning and then went for a walk and stretch in preparation for tonight's match against Real Salt Lake. The team meal takes place at 1:30 p.m. where we'll learn the starting lineup.

If you're looking for some Saturday reading, here are a few suggestions:

Steve Goff in the Washington Post with a in-depth profile of Louis Crayton.
In the Charleston Post and Courier, Andrew Miller previews the Carolina Challenge Cup.
Charlie Boehm also previews the Challenge Cup on dcunited.com.
Another piece by Boehm on veteran Bryan Namoff.
An article about the potential stadium in Prince George's County in the Post.

I'll be back later with the starting lineup for tonight's game.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for updates from the sidelines tonight.

2 Comments

Photo of the Day, Pre-Season

Photo of the Day: Challenge Cup [Day 2]

03/06/2009 7:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United today joined members of Real Salt Lake and the Charleston Battery for lunch at The Buccaneer in downtown Charleston. Above, Tom Soehn poses with Jason Kreis and Charleston Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser.

The team trained twice today, running through some defensive posture drills and then finishing during the morning session and then working through some full field positioning in the evening. After dinner, the coaches had a brief team meeting to talk more about the system they'd like to see the team implement.

The team will open the Carolina Challenge Cup with its first game tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. versus Real Salt Lake. The guys will have breakfast in the morning and then go on a walk and be put through a stretch before the pre-game meal in the afternoon. With just over two weeks until the team's season-opener, the guys are really starting to turn their focus towards the season. It should be a fun one.

1 Comments

Charleston: Day 1

03/05/2009 7:27 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Photos from today's first training session have been uploaded to the Flickr account.

If you aren't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter - we'll be posting updates each day while in South Carolina.

0 Comments

On to Charleston

03/04/2009 5:18 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Can you believe the team's season-opening game is just 18 days away?

Bright and early tomorrow morning (vans leave RFK for the airport beginning at 4 a.m.), the team will depart for its third and final leg of the 2009 preseason - Charleston, South Carolina. We'll spend ten days in the lower Carolina, participating in the Carolina Challenge Cup, along with Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC and the tournament hosts, the Charleston Battery.

The round robin tournament schedule looks like this:

Saturday, March 7

D.C. United v. Real Salt Lake @ 5 p.m.

Charleston v. Toronto FC @ 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11

D.C. United v. Toronto FC @ 5 p.m.

Charleston v. Real Salt Lake @ 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 14

Toronto FC v. Real Salt Lake @ 5 p.m.

D.C. United v. Charleston @ 7 p.m.

If you're thinking about heading down, you should know ticket prices for the double-headers range in price from $15-$25 (buy here).

The team's 26-man traveling roster looks like this:

Goalkeepers (4): Louis Crayton*, Nic Platter, James Thorpe, Milos Kocic

Defenders (9): Ryan Miller*, Marc Burch*, Dejan Jakovic*, Domenic Mediate, Anthony Peters*, Greg Janicki*, Devon McTavish*, Rodney Wallace*, Bryan Namoff*

Midfielders (7): Fred*, Andrew Jacobson*, Christian Gomez*, Ben Olsen*, Clyde Simms*, Brandon Barklage*, Santino Quaranta*

Forwards (6): Ange N'Silu*, Luciano Emilio*, Chris Pontius*, Boyzzz Khumalo*, Francis Doe*, Jaime Moreno*

(* = under contract)

March 22 is just around the corner.

5 Comments

Freedom double-headers

03/04/2009 3:18 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll shortly announce three double-headers at RFK Stadium with the Washington Freedom, who begin their season on March 14.

The double-header schedule is as follows:

Saturday, May 23:

Washington Freedom vs. Sky Blue FC @ 5 p.m. ET

D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake @ 7:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, June 13:

Washington Freedom vs. Chicago Red Stars @ 5 p.m. ET

D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire @ 7:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 18:

Washington Freedom vs. St. Louis Athletica @ 5 p.m. ET

D.C. United vs. Colorado Rapids @ 8 p.m. ET

0 Comments

News

Jakovic arrival

03/04/2009 2:20 PM by Kyle Sheldon

I just ran into D.C. United's new signing, Dejan Jakovic, down in the locker room. He flew in from Toronto today and was getting set up with all of the gear he'll need for the pre-season trip to Charleston. Dejan tells me today is his the first time he's ever been to D.C. Though the team has the day off today, a few of the guys were around and were able to introduce themselves. As you can probably imagine, Dejan is excited for the 4 a.m. departure tomorrow morning (as we all are).

More on Dejan upon arrival in South Carolina.

0 Comments

Dejan Jakovic

Comcast SportsNet schedule released

03/03/2009 4:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We announced earlier today that Comcast SportsNet will be airing 15 D.C. United games this season, including nine games which will be broadcast in High Definition. You can see the full schedule here.

3 Comments

News

Barklage, Peters signed

03/03/2009 4:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll soon officially announce that we've signed midfielder Brandon Barklage and defender Anthony Peters. Barkalge was originally drafted in the third round of this year's MLS SuperDraft and Peters joined the team on trial prior to the Puerto Rico trip. Barklage will be signed as a developmental player, while Peters will be on the senior roster.

More info on both player's careers coming soon on dcunited.com.

UPDATE: By the way, Mr. Barklage will be wearing #24, while Mr. Peters will sport #12.

1 Comments

Brandon Barklage, News

Maryland scrimmage canceled

03/02/2009 11:49 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Due to today's snowfall and tomorrow's weather forecast, the scrimmage against the University of Maryland tomorrow night has been canceled. With the team heading to Charleston on Thursday, it is unlikely the game will be re-scheduled, but we'll certainly keep you in the loop.

5 Comments