October 2009 Archives

Award winners

10/28/2009 11:06 AM by Kyle Sheldon

In case you missed the announcements on Twitter last night, here are the winners from the 6th Annual United Awards Reception:

• Volkswagen Most Valuable Player: Clyde Simms
• Defender of the Year: Bryan Namoff
• Fans' Choice Award: Chris Pontius
• Goal of the Year: Bryan Namoff's diving header vs. Colorado  on 7/18
• Coaches Award: Rodney Wallace
• US Soccer Foundation/MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year: Devon McTavish
• Budweiser Golden Boot: Luciano Emilio (10 goals)

 

 

We need your help!

10/28/2009 10:34 AM by Kyle Sheldon

On Sunday, Acumen Solutions is putting on the Race for a Cause 8K in Arlington, VA. United for D.C. was invited as one of the beneficiaries for the race (there are 13 in all) who may receive a portion of the money raised - yes, I said MAY receive. In order for D.C. United's non-profit arm to receive a portion of the proceeds, we need 100 people to sign-up for the race and designate United for D.C. as their non-profit of choice (we're only at 30, so we've got some work to do!). 

Ideally, you register, check the box for United for D.C., and join our staff and fans for a gentle 4.97 mile run/walk/stroll this Sunday morning.

If, however, you..

Awards Reception this evening [Twitter!]

10/27/2009 9:05 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Though Saturday's playoff exit still stings, tonight the team, front office and fans will gather to reflect on the positives from 2009 season at the 6th Annual United Awards Reception. The yearly event takes place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St. NE) and a great evening of mixing and mingling is in store. 

Here's what the evening looks like:

• 6:30-7:30pm - Registration and Cocktails
• 7:30-8:30pm - Awards Presentation (hosted by Tony Limarzi and Russ Thaler)
• 8:30-9:30pm - Reception

 

Seven total awards will be given out to United's squad:

• Volkswagen Most Valuable Player
• Defender of the Year
• Fans' Choice Award (as voted on by you!)
• Goal of the Year
• Coaches Award
• US Soccer Foundation/MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year
• Budweiser Golden Boot

 

You can purchase your ticket online until about 2pm today, or if you make a last-minute decision, buy a ticket at the door this evening.

If you absolutely can't make it out, I'll be announcing the award winners via Twitter throughout the presentation. 

Which players do you think will take home hardware? 

Video: MVP isn't the only award..

10/26/2009 3:37 PM by Kyle Sheldon

.. given out at the United Awards Reception.

 

Join United players, coaches and front office staff at the 6th Annual United Awards Reception taking place tomorrow night at the historic Atlas Performing Arts Center on H St. NE. In addition to finding out which players won Team MVP, Coaches' Award, Fan's Choice, Goal of the Year and others, you'll also find out which players spend the most time in front of the mirror, is the most unlikely to pick up a restaurant tab, is most likely to move back in with their parents and star in a reality show, among others.

It should be a great evening. We hope you'll join us. Be sure to register online by 2 PM Tuesday (or you can purchase a ticket at the door that evening). 

Video: United-Wizards highlights

10/25/2009 3:46 PM by Kyle Sheldon

A small glimmer of hope.. [Not anymore]

10/25/2009 12:01 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Despite tonight's heartbreaking, gut-wrenching 2-2 draw in Kansas City, there is still a chance for United to advance to the post-season. The only way the Black-and-Red book a ticket to the MLS Cup playoffs is if Seattle and Dallas play to a draw tonight and New England loses to Columbus tomorrow. 

If that happens, there will be four teams tied at 40 points - DC, Dallas, Colorado and Salt Lake. Salt Lake would go through first on the head-to-head tiebreaker, earning the seventh playoff spot, and DC would go through next, earning the last spot. 

Keep your fingers crossed. 

UPDATE (12:06 AM): Dallas 1 - Seattle 1, 71st minute. 

UPDATE (12:20 AM): Seattle scores. Seattle 2 - Dallas 1. Now in the 86th minute. United needs Dallas to score before the final whistle. 

UPDATE (12:31 AM): Final whistle at Qwest Field. Seattle 2 - Dallas 1. D.C. United's season is now officially over. 

UPDATE (12:45 AM): More info on why DC is out...

United cannot advance due to head-to-head tiebreakers with the other teams on 40 points (Colorado: 0-1-1 and Salt Lake: 0-1-1). Had Dallas earned a draw and also gone to 40 points, United would have advanced due to its head-to-head record against FCD (1-0-1). Had the scenario been those four teams - Colorado, Salt Lake, Dallas, DC - on 40 points, RSL would have advanced first on head-to-head, leaving Colorado, DC, Dallas. DC's head-to-head record amongst those three teams would have been good enough to advance. 

Trust me, we're out. 

MLS game #30: DCU @ KC Wizards

10/24/2009 9:50 AM by Kyle Sheldon

The playoff scenarios are mind-boggling.

It is actually possible for United to find its way into the MLS Cup playoffs regardless of win, loss or draw tonight, but the likelihood is very slim if the Black-and-Red come away with anything but a victory in Kansas City. The Wizards cannot make it to the post-season, but will certainly come out hoping to put on a show for their fans in the last home game of the year. 

You already know the team remains without three unquestioned starters in Bryan Namoff, Santino Quaranta and Josh Wicks, all of whom are still recovering from injury. Andrew Jacobson (hamstring strain), who earlier in the week was on the injury list as 'doubtful,' has been upgraded to 'probable.' 

It's set to be a wild 36 hours in Major League Soccer, with nearly every match today and tomorrow influencing the post-season. Be sure to keep an eye on every other game, beginning with Toronto at New York at 7:30pm ET tonight. 

United-Wizards can be watched locally in the DC region on Comcast SportsNet Plus (8:30 pm ET). 

Lots to read and watch as you prepare for this evening's all-important contest:

• It's simple: United needs a victory - by Paul Tenorio (Washington Post)
• Fresh face Cronin fits in quickly with United - by Drew Hansen (Washington Times)
• United need a win over Wizards, and other magic - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
• DC playoff push eerily similar to 2008 - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• Wizards meet D.C. United in a cheerless finale - by Randy Covitz (KC Star)
• Video: Tom Soehn previews KC
• Video: Steve Cronin previews KC
• Video: Dejan Jakovic previews KC
• Video: Jaime Moreno previews KC
• Video: Chris Pontius previews KC
• Video: Access United - Episode 32

 

What are your thoughts heading into tonight's game? Who would you like to see on the field? Do you think United can pull of the win?

Playoff picture - the final weekend

10/23/2009 5:46 PM by Kyle Sheldon

It all comes down to this weekend. Six teams have already qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs, while another six are competing for the final two spots in the final games of the 2009 season. D.C. United is among the team's hoping to extend its season with a win at Kansas City tomorrow almost a necessity. As you prepare for a weekend full of soccer-watching, who should you be rooting for and against?

MLS Communications put together a somewhat-simplified look at the playoff picture. Check it out after the jump. 

• Colorado defeats Real Salt Lake on Saturday OR
• Colorado ties Real Salt Lake AND
• The four teams on 39 points all lose or all tie OR IF
• Only one of TOR, NE, DC and FCD win

• If FC Dallas is the only team tied on 39 points to win, they will qualify
• If FC Dallas wins and Colorado wins, FC Dallas must hope that DC or New England do not win, as this lessens their chances
• In the case of a tie on 40 points (RSL win, DAL tie), FC Dallas must hope that DC does not also tie

• If New England is the only team tied on 39 points to win, they will qualify
• If New England wins and Colorado wins, New England must hope that Toronto does not also win (unless ONLY DAL and NE win)
• If New England wins and Colorado loses or ties, the ONLY way New England will NOT qualify is if DAL AND NE AND TOR (ONLY) WIN
• In the case of a multiple tie on 40 points (RSL win, NE tie), New England must hope DC ALSO ties or TOR does not tie (unless all four on 39 tie)

• If Toronto is the only team tied on 39 points to win, they will qualify
• If Toronto wins and Colorado wins, TOR must hope FC Dallas does NOT win – unless ALL four teams on 39 points win (DAL AND DC AND NE AND TOR)
• If Toronto wins and Colorado loses or ties, Toronto is all but assured of qualifying
• In the case of a multiple tie on 40 points (RSL win, TOR tie), TOR is all but assured of qualifying UNLESS DAL, NE AND TOR all tie

TEAM	vs. COL	vs. DAL	vs. DC	vs. NE	vs. RSL	vs. TOR
COL	-----	1-1-1	1-1-0	0-0-2	1-0-1	1-1-0
DAL	1-1-1	-----	0-1-1	1-1-0	1-1-0	1-0-1
DC	0-1-1	1-0-1	-----	0-1-1	0-1-1	0-1-1
NE	0-0-2	1-1-0	1-0-1	-----	1-1-0	0-1-1
RSL	0-1-1	1-1-0	1-0-1	1-1-0	-----	1-1-0
TFC	1-1-0	0-1-1	1-0-1	1-0-1	1-1-0	-----

Video: Wizards preview

10/22/2009 10:43 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We spoke to a bunch of the guys today about Saturday's regular season finale in Kansas City. The game is a must-win for United as it vies to be one of six teams to capture one of the two remaining playoff spots. 

 

More from...

• Chris Pontius
• Lawson Vaughn 
• Dejan Jakovic
• Steve Cronin

 

No help for United

10/22/2009 10:05 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The evening went about as poorly as it could have for fans of D.C. United, as the Chicago Fire topped visiting Chivas USA 1-0 to clinch the second spot in the Eastern Conference and Marathon beat Jabloteh 4-2 to knock DCU out of CONCACAF Champions League play. 

United must now win at Kansas City and hope for a few key results from other teams in order to advance to the MLS Cup playoffs. Six teams will now vie for the two remaining playoff spots. 

Marathon's win vaulted the Honduran side past D.C. in the Group B standings and into second place, which means the tournament is over for the Black-and-Red. United finishes with a very respectable 3-2-1 record (10 points) and with the most points of any MLS team in Champions League - Columbus (8 points) advanced out of Group C, while Houston (7 points) fell short in Group A. 

Marathon joins what will be eight total teams in the knockout stage of the tournament. Here are the teams that have advanced, with only one more match yet tonight set to determine the final team:

Scoreboard watching

10/22/2009 9:17 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Though United isn't playing, it's a big night for supporters of DC. The team's attention will certainly be on the scoreboard this evening as two key games are taking place that will have a huge impact on the Black-and-Red's season.

In MLS play, the Chicago Fire (42 points, second in the East) hosts Chivas USA (45 points, tied for second in the West) in a game that has monster implications for D.C.'s playoff hopes. Should Chicago fall this evening, United will enter Saturday's game in Kansas City knowing a win would put them through to the post-season, regardless of other results. The Fire-Chivas USA game can be seen on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET. 

In CONCACAF Champions League action, San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad & Tobago) hosts CD Marathon (Honduras) in the final game of Group B play. United currently sits one point ahead of Marathon in the standings, but needs Jabloteh to come up with its first result of the tournament in order to move on. Because DC holds the tie-breaker over the Honduran side, the Black-and-Red will advance with a draw between the two teams or a Marathon loss. Unfortunately, the game is not being broadcast in the U.S., so fans will have to settle for following updates online. 

We'll provide periodic updates via Twitter, as well. 

Video: DCU vs. Toluca highlights

10/21/2009 6:02 AM by Kyle Sheldon

See all the action from last night's draw in Mexico - how about that world-class strike from Chris Pontius?

 

CCL Group B game #6: DCU 1 - Toluca 1

10/20/2009 9:55 PM by Kyle Sheldon

United got a goal from rookie Chris Pontius on an incredible 25-yard smash in the sixth minute, but Lawson Vaughn gave the home side a penalty in the 62nd minute that was put away by Lopez to draw Toluca even. The 1-1 score line stood at the final whistle. 

The draw means United must wait and see what happens in the CD Marathon-Jabloteh game on Thursday evening. A draw or Marathon loss means United would advance to the knockout stage, while a Marathon win results in elimination from the regional tournament. 

Marathon and Jabloteh play at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. 

UPDATE: Get this - according to the League office, MLS teams are 0-17-2 all-time playing meaningful games (meaning, not including friendlies) in Mexico against Mexican squads. This evening's result was just the second draw - ever! - on Mexican soil, while the Houston Dynamo played to a wild 4-4 game versus Pumas in Mexico City last year. A very impressive result for the Black-and-Red. Now, we're all Jabloteh fans. 

A few post-game links:

• United and Toluca play to 1-1 draw - by Dylan Butler (dcunited.com)
• Post-game quotesheet (dcunited.com)
• Video: Chris Pontius' golazo (mlsnet.com)

 

More in the morning.. 

CCL Group B game #6: United vs. Toluca

10/20/2009 9:28 AM by Cris Cruz

After not winning any Champions League games last year, United has won three in a row to give itself a chance to advance to the quarterfinal round of the tournament. It will be a difficult task though - United must try to get a win in Mexico, a feat never accomplished by an MLS team.

And Toluca will not make it easy. The Red Devils have not allowed any goals at home (let alone wins or draws) in the tournament. But for United to advance, it must match Marathon's result in its final group stage game on Thursday against winless San Juan Jabloteh.

The team will be without Jaime Moreno, Benny Olsen, Clyde Simms, Marc Burch and Andrew Jacobson. Toluca will be without Carlos Galeana, Diego Novaretti and Antonio Matias due to suspensions.

Tonight's match will be broadcast on FSC and Telefutura at 8 p.m. ET. Or listen in to 1500 AM, 820 AM or 1050 AM.

Here are some links to get you up to speed:

• United puts MLS playoff chase on hold to focus on Toluca - Steven Goff (Washington Post)
• D.C. United at Toluca - Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
• United face tall order against Toluca - Charles Boehm (MLSNet.com)
• Blog: Getting to know Toluca (BehindTheBadge)
• Video: Jakovic previews the match

Getting to know: Toluca

10/19/2009 4:04 PM by Cris Cruz

United plays the final match of the Champions League group stage tomorrow at Toluca, Mexico. A win would give the Black-and-Red a berth in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. This, however, will prove to be a difficult feat, since United already lost at home to Toluca 3-1 and no U.S. team has ever won a meaningful game in Mexico.

Here's what Group B currently looks like:

Because United holds the tiebreaker over Marathon, a win would automatically put the Black-and-Red through. A draw for United would only be good if Marathon lost or tied against San Juan Jabloteh on Thursday. A loss would mean Marathon would also have to lose for United to advance.

Toluca has been cruising at home in the Champions League, not allowing any goals at Estadio Nemesio Díez and outscoring their opponents 10-0. The Red Devils have also been having a great season in the Mexican League, sitting at the top of the table with a record of 8-2-2, 26 pts. Toluca has not lost at home in league play either, with five wins and two draws. Chilean striker Hector Mancilla, who scored two goals against United in the first leg, leads the team and is tied for second in the league with eight goals.

Video: Crew post-game

10/18/2009 1:44 PM by Kyle Sheldon

 

 

 

Playoff scenarios, Part II

10/18/2009 10:14 AM by Kyle Sheldon

With the standings as they are heading into the last week, there is a possibility after next week's results of several teams being tied on points - and thus we must delve into the world of tie-breakers.

If there are multiple teams tied on points (and as many as six could be after the season's final games), the important thing to remember is that the first tie-breaker is head-to-head competition. From the MLS rule book: 

• First tie-breaker: The highest position shall be awarded to the team with the better win/loss record in current regular season games against all other teams equal in points. (head-to-head competition)

 

This tie-breaker is a little strange if there are several teams tied on points. Let's say that, six teams are tied on points at the completion of all games and there are two playoff spots available - one must first calculate every team's head-to-head record against each of the five other teams. The team that has the best head-to-head record amongst those six teams is then awarded the highest available playoff spot, and thus removed from the group of tied teams. Then the head-to-head records of the five remaining teams must then be RE-calculated to determine who has the best head-to-head record and should receive the final playoff spot. Got it?

Here are a few of the multiple-teams-are-tied-and-my-head-is-going-explode possibilities with the tie-breakers worked out...

• If RSL defeats COL and DAL-SEA tie and DC-KC tie and NE-CLB tie and TOR-NY tie, then there are six teams tied with 40 points.
  
  • In that scenario, TOR gets seventh place, then COL gets eighth

 

• If CHV defeats CHI and DAL defeats SEA and DC defeats KC and NE defeats CLB and TOR defeats NY, then there are five teams tied for 42 points.
  
  • If COL defeats RSL, they would then take sixth place, and so:
    
    • DC gets seventh place, and DAL gets eighth place.
  • If RSL defeats COL, or they tie, they both finish with less than 42, so they're out.
    
    • And so: DC gets sixth place, DAL gets seventh place, CHI gets eighth place.

 

Clear enough for you?

 

Playoff scenarios, Part I

10/18/2009 1:12 AM by Kyle Sheldon

• New England to lose at Columbus.
• Toronto FC to lose at New York.
• Real Salt Lake to draw or lose vs. Colorado.
• FC Dallas to draw or lose at Seattle.

• FC Dallas could win, draw or lose and have no effect.

• Chicago to lose vs. Chivas USA.
• Colorado to draw or lose at Real Salt Lake.
• New England to draw or lose at Columbus.
• Toronto FC to draw or lose New York.

MLS game #29: DCU 1 - Columbus 0

10/17/2009 11:36 PM by Kyle Sheldon

United wins!

D.C. keeps its playoff hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over the best team in MLS. Luciano Emilio scored the lone goal in the first half and on-loan Steve Cronin secured his first shutout for the Black-and-Red. 

We're working on all of the possible playoff scenarios and will have more info for you soon, but we do know there are seven teams all vying for the the final three playoff spots (five teams have secured a spot in the post-season already).

Post-game links here:

• United blank crew, keep playoff hopes alive - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• MLSnet.com MatchTracker
• Photo gallery (Flickr!)

 

What did you think of the game?

MLS game #29: DCU vs. Columbus Crew

10/17/2009 10:06 AM by Kyle Sheldon

By now, everyone knows what need to happen tonight - D.C. United needs to win to keep its playoff hopes alive. 

The team will have to do it without several key players, as Bryan Namoff (concussion), Josh Wicks (dislocated shoulder, MCL sprain), Santino Quaranta (ruptured plantar plate), Ben Olsen (red card suspension) and Chris Pontius (yellow card accumulation) will all be watching from the sidelines. 

Game time is 8 p.m. ET at RFK Stadiumt. The game can be seen live locally on CSN+. 

• Cronin is United's man in goal - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
• United needs help as it wraps up home slate - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
• Crew at D.C. United - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
• DC faces tall order for wild card berth - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• Jaime Moreno talks longevity and DC - by Dan Steinberg (D.C. Sports Bog)
• Crew out to retain Supporters' Shield - by Shawn Mitchell (Columbus Dispatch)
• Video: Boyzzz Khumalo previews the Crew
• Video: Clyde Simms discusses visiting Columbus
• Video: Access United - Episode 31

 

Knowing who is unavailable, which players would you like to see start the game tonight? What do you think of United's chances to make a playoff run?

Playoff picture - Oct. 15

10/15/2009 3:57 PM by Kyle Sheldon

These scenarios don't factor in tie-breakers in the event United ends up level on points with another team. 

Photos: Scenes from U.S. vs. Costa Rica

10/15/2009 10:14 AM by Kyle Sheldon

 

The U.S. Men's National Team scored a goal in the last minute of play to earn a 2-2 draw versus Costa Rica at RFK Stadium last night. The U.S. had already qualified for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, but the draw meant the team finished atop CONCACAF's qualifying hexagonal for the second time in a row.

The result, coupled with Honduras' 1-0 win over El Salvador, also meant that Costa Rica must now play in a two-game playoff with Uruguay to advance to the World Cup, while Honduars is through automatically. 

(Photos by Matt Mathai)

Video: Access United - Episode 31

10/13/2009 9:26 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Host Tony Limarzi recaps the weekend of MLS action - things actually went our way! - and previews the big Crew game on Saturday. The final segment offers a sneak peak at the 1999 reunion DVD that will be handed out post-game at RFK on Saturday (great stuff from some of '99 team watching the MLS Cup final versus LA). 

Get it. 

 

35% off all gear on Saturday

10/13/2009 4:32 PM by Kyle Sheldon

To show you just how much we love you, fans, we're offering all gear (yes, ALL gear - tees, jerseys, pennants, posters, hats, collectibles... everything!) at 35% off during Saturday's game versus the Columbus Crew. You can get the discount at the D.C. United Team Store (located at Main Gate) or at any of the merchandise kiosks throughout the stadium. 

Q&A: Bill Hamid

10/13/2009 2:26 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Intern extraordinaire Matt Sincaglia sat down with United goalkeeper Bill Hamid today to talk about training with the U.S. Men’s National Team the last two days, and playing next to his idol, Tim Howard. 
 
Behind the Badge: How has it been training with the U.S. National team the last couple of days?
Bill Hamid: The national team has been a good experience. I’m happy to have the opportunity to be around those guys. I mean we have world-class guys here at D.C. [United], but here are guys who have been to World Cups, play in the EPL. To be amongst them is an amazing opportunity.
 
BTB: Tim Howard is your boyhood idol. How has it been training with him between the pipes?
BH: When I first walked on the field and saw him I was very quiet. I didn’t know what to say to him, but to stand behind the goal and watch him, watch his form, and hear his advice, and him being my role model since forever, I’m very thankful for the opportunity.
 
BTB: Are there any routines that you have witnessed that you’ll try to emulate?
BH: You know, just the way he moves his feet, the way he gets set, how big he plays, I mean it’s eye-opening.
 
BTB: You mentioned him giving you advice. What has he told you?
BH: Just to stay set. I tend to have a little hop to be comfortable when I’m getting set, but just to stay set. And just the all-around confidence that he gave to me. I think that will help.
 
BTB: How will the overall experience benefit you in your career?
BH: I think it will benefit me greatly. I mean, I hope to be at their stage one day in the near future. I hope it takes me to bigger and better places. I get to get a look-see from Bob Bradley and coach Zak [Abdel] with the national team, and coach John Hackworth. I’ve seen them around a couple times, but for them to see me, I know it’s a good stepping stone for me in the future to have those guys know who I am.
 
BTB: You mention this being a stepping-stone. The U.S. has a plethora of world-class goalkeepers. What do you see for the future of the position on the national team and the possibility of seeing yourself out there in the future?
BH: All I can do is hope, other than work hard every day and hopefully I’ll be involved. From U-17’s to U-20’s to U-23’s there are world-class guys like Dominic Cervi at Celtic and you have Brian Perk, who is the starter for the U-20’s. The U.S. has a ton of goalkeepers that can fill the void of the past brilliance that the U.S. has had with goalkeepers, so I’m just going to keep working hard and maybe one day I can be a part of it.

(photo by Matt Mathai)

Video: Studio 90 from RFK

10/13/2009 11:24 AM by Kyle Sheldon

The U.S. Men's National Team is in DC preparing for its final World Cup Qualifier tomorrow evening at RFK Stadium versus Costa Rica. The team has trained on United's pratice field each of the last two days. Here is yesterda's Studio 90 from the RFK training rounds (keep an eye out for DCU goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who trained with the U.S. men yesterday). 

Quaranta sidelined for 4-6 months

10/12/2009 3:58 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The club received bad news this afternoon when it learned Santino Quaranta is out for the season and will likely be sidelined for a total of 4-6 months after rupturing the plantar plate in his left foot's first metatarsal. The 24-year old injured the foot at training on Friday and was evaluated by a specialist today. He'll have surgery to repair the injury tomorrow at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. 

The injury is the same one Quaranta suffered in 2006 on his right foot while a member of the New York Red Bulls. 

Quaranta finishes 2009 with two goals and six assists in 22 total games (19 starts). 

Cronin acquired on loan

10/12/2009 2:55 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We'll shortly announce officially that we've acquired goalkeeper Steve Cronin on loan from the Portland Timbers (United Soccer League First Division). The club received approval from MLS to obtain the 26-year old as an extreme hardship roster addition. Cronin joined the team at training for the first time today. 

Cronin played in 28 matches for the Timbers during the 2009 USL First Division season and finished the campaign ranked among league leaders in wins (15), shutouts (10), goals-against average (0.68) and saves (97). Following the season, he was named the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year and an All-League First-Team selection.

Cronin played five seasons in MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes (2004) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2005-08) prior to joining the Timbers this season.

 

Jersey auction to benefit United for D.C.

10/12/2009 1:12 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Be sure to stop by Main Gate at RFK Stadium during United's final regular season home game versus the Columbus Crew on Saturday to bid on your favorite player's game-worn and autographed jersey. Bidding will be open when gates open until the end of halftime. Proceeds from the In-Sadium Jersey Auction benefit the team's non-profit arm, United for DC. 

Video: Comcast SportsNet on 'The Body Issue'

10/08/2009 11:16 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Comcast SportsNet spoke to Jaime Moreno, Santino Quaranta and Ben Olsen about their involvement in ESPN The Magazine's 'The Body Issue.' Apparently, Benny owes his doc a lunch...?

 

Photos: More from 'The Body Issue'

10/08/2009 3:46 PM by Kyle Sheldon

We've got two more images (click through the jump for the second) from the guys photoshoot for ESPN The Magazine's 'The Body Issue.' These two didn't make the final cut, but were under consideration for inclusion in the issue that hits newsstands tomorrow. Photos below by Matthias Clamer and courtesy of ESPN The Magazine. 

 

Video: Avery John on 'American Minute'

10/08/2009 1:00 PM by Kyle Sheldon

The fine folks at American University recently sat down with defender Avery John for an 'American Minute.' D.C.'s left back discusses his beginnings in soccer, representing Trinidad & Tobago and playing at AU. Wait until you see the mini-dreads Avery was rocking during his college years...

 

Video: Walk This Way fashion show

10/08/2009 10:50 AM by Kyle Sheldon

 

On Tuesday, Bryan Namoff, Ben Olsen, Santino Quaranta and Devon McTavish were on the runway for the 'Walk This Way' fashion show, put on by former Survivor contestant Becky Lee. Becky runs Becky's Fund, an organization she started to fight domestic violence. 

You can see the guys in the video above beginning at the 55-second mark. 

Photo of the Day: The Body Issue

10/07/2009 4:21 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Well, here it is. The guys were pretty brave, eh?

From the left: Chris Pontius, Bryan Namoff, Clyde Simms, Jaime Moreno, Santino Quaranta and Ben Olsen. 

Dan Steinberg of D.C. Sports Bog has the full story. The issue hits newsstands tomorrow. 

Video: DCU in ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue

10/07/2009 11:02 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Dan Steinberg of D.C. Sports Bog will have a full report about D.C. United's involvement in ESPN The Magazine's soon-to-hit-newsstands Body Issue, but below is a very small sneak peak. United players are seen right round the 54-second mark, with a short comment from Ben Olsen about his dreams of coming out on the field naked. 

 

Awards voting now open

10/06/2009 11:14 AM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United's 2009 Awards Reception is just around the corner - it's at the Atlas Theater on October 27 - and we need your help in handing out two of our biggest awards. Through Friday, you can vote for the following:

• 2009 Goal of the Year
• 2009 Fans' Choice 

The fan's vote alone determines the winners, so be sure you pick your favorite before Friday at noon (ET). Then, join us on October 27 for a great evening with the entire squad as the team awards are handed out (there will also be some very entertaining videos that you won't want to miss!). 

Highlights: United 0 - Chivas USA 2

10/04/2009 8:34 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Video: Moreno, Soehn post-game

10/04/2009 8:30 AM by Kyle Sheldon

MLS game #28: DCU 0 - Chivas USA 2

10/03/2009 10:51 PM by Kyle Sheldon

Things are not looking good after tonight's loss. DC falls at home for the third straight League game, as Chivas USA gets a goal in each half and defeats United 2-0. The Black-and-Red's playoff ambitions are now in a very precarious position. Even if the team wins its final two games, it will need a number of other results to go its way around MLS. 

The team has a full 14 days until its next game, when the reigning MLS Cup champs travel to RFK Stadium for the October 17 meeting. 

• Playoff picture grim after loss to Chivas USA - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• Flickr photo gallery

 

MLS game #28: DCU vs. Chivas USA

10/03/2009 11:00 AM by Kyle Sheldon

A crowd approaching 25,000 is expected tonight for D.C. United's must-win battle versus visiting Chivas USA. With only three games remaining in the regular season, and United on the outside of playoffs (standings) looking in, the team is looking to go on a run beginning tonight. Chivas USA currently sits in the second (of four) wild card spots, but with every team within a few points, they're in need of a win, too. 

United will again be without Josh Wicks (dislocated shoulder, MCL sprain) and Bryan Namoff (concussion), but will also have to survive without rookie Rodney Wallace, who is suspended for tonight's match due to yellow card accumulation. 

• Khumalo's Return Provides a Boost - by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
• Vaughn finds a 'second home' with United - by Drew Hansen (Washington Times)
• DC faces string of must-win games - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• United's Vaughn eager to face former team - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
• Video: Kocic, Vaughn preview Chivas USA

 

What do you think about this evening's contest? After Wednesday's 5-1 drubbing of Jabloteh, who would you like to see in the starting lineup? 

Drop your prediction for tonight's score in the comments below - we'll give away two free tickets to the team's regular season finale - versus the Columbus Crew on Oct. 17 -  to every person who guesses correctly. 

 

Video: Kocic, Vaughn preview Chivas USA

10/02/2009 4:36 PM by Kyle Sheldon

United defender Lawson Vaughn will face his former team for the first time tomorrow, while Milos Kocic will get his third League start between the pipes. 

 

 

Photo of the Day: Get your scarf!

10/02/2009 10:33 AM by Kyle Sheldon

The first 5,000 fans through the gate tomorrow get a free DCU/VW scarf. With more than 22,000 expected to be in attendance, you'll want to be sure you arrive early! Gates open at 6pm. 

Chris Sharpe called-up

10/01/2009 3:36 PM by Kyle Sheldon

D.C. United will call up MLS pool goalkeeper Chris Sharpe for this weekend's game against Chivas USA. With Josh Wicks out for at least a month with a dislocated shoulder and MCL sprain and 18-year old Bill Hamid not eligible for League games, the team is in need of a backup for rookie Milos Kocic. 

Sharpe resides in Denver and trains daily with the Colorado Rapids. He is 28-years old and is originally from Sydney, Australia. The 6-2, 185 pound netminder played for three years with Viborg FF in the Danish Superliga, before making the move to the states in 2006. He has been the goalkeeper coach for the Colorado Force, of the W-League, for four seasons. 

Here are a few links about the goalkeeper:

• An interview with ColoradoSoccerNow.com
• Colorado Force page
• Archive of TribalFootball.com blog posts (scroll down)

Video: Jabloteh's Dennis Lawrence & Earl John

10/01/2009 8:32 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Listen in on what Jabloteh's Head Coach Earl John and defender Dennis Lawrence had to say about Thursday night's game and their final match against Marathon (where D.C. will be rooting for a Jabloteh win). 

 

Video: Jabloteh post-game

10/01/2009 8:21 AM by Kyle Sheldon

Everyone was in good spirit's after last night's 5-1 drubbing of San Juan Jabloteh. See what Boyzzz Khumalo, Milos Kocic, Chris Pontius, Christian Gomez and Tom Soehn had to say after the game. 

 

• Tom Soehn & Christian Gomez press conference
• Boyzzz Khumalo
• Chris Pontius

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