The Black and Red, a D.C. United Dynasty

[NovaniK]

2011 D.C. United preview: Olsen & Co. look ahead
Davies, De Rosario are just two reasons for newfound optimism in DC
March 9, 2011Travis Clark / MLSsoccer.com

Club legend Ben Olsen takes the reins as D.C. United aim to erase memories of recent regular-season struggles.

Setting the Scene:

Last year was a season to forget for DC. Unable to score up front and frail at the back, 2010 produced one of the worst seasons in team history, with just six wins on the year and the lowest point total in the league.

That prompted an offseason makeover. Olsen was named coach, making the leap from interim to regular status. The technical staff pulled the trigger on several moves, with the aim to improve the team at both ends of the park.

There are a number of new faces, but bringing in players like Charlie Davies and Dwayne De Rosario has generated a fair bit optimism in DC, with Olsen set to bring it all together and light a fire under his charges.

Key Changes:

Players In: Dwayne De Rosario (New York Red Bulls), Joseph Ngwenya (Houston, Re-Entry Process Stage One), Josh Wolff (Sporting Kansas City, Re-Entry Process Stage Two), Steve Cronin (Portland), Rodrigo Brasesco (Racing Club, Uruguay), Perry Kitchen (Univ. of Akron), Charlie Davies (Sochaux, France), Anthony Wallace (Colorado Rapids)

Players Out: Rodney Wallace (Portland), Troy Perkins (Portland), Julius James (waived), Adam Cristman (LA Galaxy), Jaime Moreno (retired), Danny Allsopp (released), Pablo Hernández (released), Branko Boskovic (Colorado Rapids)

Staff: Ben Olsen was named head coach in November after taking over as interim coach in August 2010, and he’ll be assisted by club fixture Chad Ashton and long time keeper Pat Onstad.

Star Attraction: Charlie Davies

With one simple player acquisition, D.C. United injected an unexpected name into this offseason’s makeover. The beloved US men’s national team forward, once thought of as a bright hope for the Red, White and Blue, joined the team in what he hopes will be the final step in his recovery from a car crash in 2009. While there’s still rust to scrape off, Davies can be a huge difference-maker by not only scoring goals but also setting up his teammates and opening up room on the field.

Unsung Hero: Chris Pontius

Another youngster on the comeback trail, Pontius saw almost half of his 2010 campaign wiped out by a hamstring injury. He’s been working hard to be ready for this coming year, and he's ready to help out in whatever position on the field Olsen sees a need. His versatility adds to United’s depth as the competition for starting spots ramps up.

Ready for Primetime: Perry Kitchen

There was a mini-celebration amongst DC’s technical staff back in January when Kitchen slipped to them at the No. 3 pick in the SuperDraft. In preseason camp, the former Akron Zip and current US youth international has lived up to his pre-draft billing, exhibiting a demeanor beyond his years while training in central defense. Look for him to get the bulk of the starts this year as United reconstruct their back line.

Storyline to Watch:

After a breakout season in his debut campaign, reigning Rookie of the Year Andy Najar no longer has anonymity on which to fall back. He’s a known commodity in this league, and how the 18-year-old must live up to the hype generated not only by his exceptional play last season but also the lingering question of which national team will win his services.

If Everything Goes Right:

After such a poor year in 2010, a quick turnaround is a tall task. The team must be better up front and at the back if it hopes to compete in the Eastern Conference. And with so many new faces, it may take a while before everyone gets on the same page.

However, this is a team with a lot of young talent. And with the additions of De Rosario, Kitchen and Davies, among others, D.C. United should be a much better side. How much better is the question – if Davies can come close to his pre-accident form to bag goals with regularity, and things are tidy at the back, contending for an MLS Cup Playoffs spot isn’t completely out of the question.

[NovaniK]

DC United 0 - Columbus Crew 1
United drop home opener
March 19, 2011

DC United opened it's 2011 campaign today, welcoming the Columbus Crew to nation's capital. The Crew enjoyed their stay as they took home the victory after a hard fought 90 minutes.

Robbie Rogers provided the game's only score on a penalty kick in the 23rd minute. United's Newcomer Anthony Wallace was booked for a yellow card after the foul inside the penalty box.

Though they fought valiantly, DCU were unable pick up the equalizer throughout the remainder of the contest.

Next up for DC is New England Revolution.

[NovaniK]

New England Revolution 1 - DC United 1
Davies scores first goal of the season in draw
March 26, 2011

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - DC United got on the board first, but were unable to hold the lead as New England Revolution fought back for the draw.

Charlie Davies set up shop in the penalty box all afternoon, annoying the Revolution defenders and goal-keeper Matt Reis. It was this annoyance that caused a frustrated Franco Coria to foul Davies in the box in the 17th minute, picking up the yellow card and awarding United with a penalty kick.

Davies capitalized by putting the ball in the back of the net, and giving United the 1 goal advantage.

As time passed however you could feel the atmosphere change a bit in Gillete Stadium. New England seemed to be able to get to more free balls and control possession more easily.

Shalrie Joseph tied the game in the 77th minute with a score after Ethan White played himself out of position.

Neither team was able score the go-ahead goal however, resulting in a draw.

For United (0-1-1), they will spend a few days back home before headed west to take on the Colorado Rapids (1-1-0).

Scoring Summary:

DC - Charlie Davies 1 (penalty kick) 17'
NE - Shalrie Joseph 1 (unassisted) 74'

[NovaniK]

RECAP: Colorado Rapids 1 - DC United 2
Simms hurt, but united roll as Davies scores again
April 3, 2011

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - A strong performance from the United stikers lead them past Colorado 2-1.

This was a game that saw Branko Boskovic and Anthony Wallace facing off against their former teams. Wallace and United walked away the victors.

Charlie Davies put United on the board first for a second straight game with a goal off a cross from Dwayne De Rosario in the 39th minute.

Rapids' striker Jamie Smith tied things up in the 71st minute, but only briefly. As DC captain Josh Wolff netted an unassisted goal in the 78th minute that proved to be the deciding factor.

Though DC United won the match, they may have suffered a more meaningful loss as CDM Clyde Simms was injured during the contest. Simms jumped up for a goal kick and landed awkwardly on his left leg. He was helped off the field by his teammates but the prognoses does not look good. Results of the x-rays are expected in the next day or two.

DC United are now 1-1-1 on the season, sitting in 4th place in the east.

The Rapids fell to 1-1-1, and now sit in 4th place in the west.

United will get five days off before the western conference leading Los Angeles Galaxy come to town.

Scoring Summary:

DC - Charlie Davies 2 (Dwayne De Rosario) 39'
COL - Jamie Smith 1 (Jeff Larentowicz) 71'
DC - Josh Wolff 1 (unassisted) 78'

[NovaniK]

Bad News for D.C. United
Clyde Simms expected to miss 4 months
April 4, 2011

Hopes were high today for Olsen and Co. when Clyde Simms was able to put some weight on his injured leg from last night's match. However those hopes have been put to rest, as x-rays reveal Simms has a complete LCL tear in his left knee.

The injury is expected to keep Simms out for upwards of 4 months, meaning he could return to the field around the August time frame.

Simms has played in all three of United's games thus far and is thought by his teammates to be a leader in the clubhouse.

Early reports indicate that rookie Perry Kitchen will step in and fill Simms' vacated CDM role in his absence.

[NovaniK]

MLS League Standings
LA best in the west, NY atop the east
April 4, 2011

Eastern Conference
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
New York Red Bulls	3	2	1	0	7
Toronto FC	3	2	1	0	7
Columbus Crew	3	2	1	0	7
DC United	3	1	1	1	4
Sporting Kansas City	3	1	1	1	4
Houston Dynamo	3	1	0	2	3
Philadelphia Union	3	1	0	2	3
Chicago Fire	2	0	1	1	1
New England Revolution	3	0	1	2	1

Western Conference
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS
Los Angeles Galaxy	4	3	0	1	9
FC Dallas	3	2	0	1	6
Seattle Sounders FC	4	2	0	2	6
Colorado Rapids	3	1	1	1	4
Chivas USA	3	1	1	1	4
Real Salt Lake	2	1	0	1	3
Portland Timbers	3	1	0	2	3
San Jose Earthquakes	3	1	0	2	3
Vancouver Whitecaps FC	3	0	1	2	1

[Matt10]

Good read - enjoying the pics and quick articles

[NovaniK]

PREVIEW: DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy
United to play host to the best of the west
April 8, 2011

This Saturday, DC United will host LA Galaxy at RFK Stadium. The United faithful will be out in red to show their support for their club. UDC themselves, will be wearing their alternate, red uniforms.

A game that seems to favor the visitors suddenly doesn't look that dire for DC. With Landon Donovan choosing to join Chelsea FC during the transfer window and David Beckham struggling with a sore knee, LA could be without their two most dangerous playmakers in this match.

On the home side of things, expect Perry Kitchen to get the start a CDM, filling in for the injured Clyde Simms. When asked if he thought his team could win this game in today's press conference, manager Ben Olsen said - "absolutely. I think this team is missing some key pieces, and that could be to our advantage".

A win here against the Galaxy could show the rest of the league that DC plans to be in the thick of things this year.