DC United Off to See the Wizards

DC United Off to See the Wizards

Mike Martin

March 28, 2008

With a huge match against Pachuca looming, it would be understandable if DC United took their MLS season opener against Kansas City a bit lightly. After all, you only get one chance at Concacaf success, while you’ve got 30 matches to collect points in MLS. However, that’s not the philosophy at United where they want to win every match and earn every trophy.

Washington, D.C. Assistant coach Chad Ashton was clear about the team’s mentality before they left for KC and then on to Mexico from there. “We’re focused on Kansas City. We have to deal with them first, that’s out first priority. We take the same approach every game. Our mentality is that we don’t take a game off. We’re out to win every game. Whether it’s Concacaf or MLS, we want to get every point possible every time we step out on the field. It means managing some players for sure, but we expect to win every time we step on the field.”

So, it would appear the mentality for success is in place for the season, but is the coaching staff satisfied that the team is physically ready to handle the pressure of their MLS opener on the road then play at altitude in Pachuca three days later?

On that subject, Chad Ashton was a bit more cautious. “You’re never satisfied, if you’re satisfied, then something’s wrong. However, at this point in time we’re happy with how we’re progressing and where we’re at. We can’t be content though (with the team’s success against Harbour View). We don’t want to be too full of ourselves. We want to keep things in perspective, keep working hard to make ourselves better.”

Leading scorer Devon McTavish also pointed out that DC having already played some competitive matches is a step ahead of the Wizards heading into this match. “It’s their first real game of the year, so little we have an advantage there, and they have a fairly new team too.”

Indeed, among the new faces on the Wizards is their designated player Argentine forward Claudio Lopez, and Colombian forward Ivan Trujilo. Both players are expected to be impact players this year for the Wizards who lost Eddie Johnson to Fulham in the off-season, but the pair only started practicing with the team less than three weeks ago.

In addition, the Wizards injury report seems to be in mid-season form despite the team having played no competitive matches yet. Davy Arnaud is out recovering from knee surgery, while Jimmy Conrad has a broken hand and a balky hamstring, and Sasha Victorine has a sprained ankle.

Their defense really does look a bit dicey too. Top draft pick Chance Myers appears likely to start as right back, and while he must be playing pretty well for Onalfo to trust him enough to push Jewsbury back up into midfield, rookie defenders often take a beating in their first few games. So, dealing with United’s South American strike force could be a bit like Daniel being thrown to the lions. Welcome to MLS, young fella!

Then in the center of their defense, there’s Conrad hobbling, and his long time pesky partner in crime Nick Garcia has been replaced by Tyson Wahl, another young guy and one who struggled mightily last season. Certainly a bright spot should be Michael Harrington playing the left. Most DC fans will remember him as that burst of lightning that torched us for a goal barely three minutes into DC’s home opener last year.

Carlos Marinelli will be pulling the strings in midfield for KC, backed up by Kerry Zavagnin as usual. A lot is expected of the talented Marinelli after a dismal first year in MLS for a player with his pedigree. Likely Ryan Pore will play the left if Victorine can’t go, which is a bonus as the scarecrow has been a United killer throughout his career. Jack Jewsbury will be on the right playing his natural midfield position after a year at right back.

United has some missing players too, with Olsen still out and Moreno unlikely to play with a balky hamstring of his own. However, McTavish has more than made up for Olsen’s longer than expected recovery, while Niell filled in for Jaime nicely in the thrashing of Harbour View.

Looking at the matchups and given the situation, it should be a fairly easy game for United. They have distinct mismatches in their favor on the field, and they are further along in their team building process and in actual game experience.

However, it’s KC’s home opener in a much smaller stadium than that tomb in Arrowhead. The packed house should be a huge boost for them and playing in KC has historically been pretty wild affairs for United. At least it’s not tornado season yet, so the weather should cooperate, but as to the other intangibles, they all point toward KC.

Seems likely United comes out playing conservatively just looking to absorb their initial enthusiasm and not give up any early chances and maybe steal a goal if they’re lucky. Then push for the win in the second half as KC tires and Soehn inserts some fresh legs like Quaranta, who should see some time at forward tomorrow. Hopefully, he channels his younger days where he was able to score three goals playing in Kansas City before he turned 18.

We won’t see Rod Dyachenko, though as he’s suspended for a ridiculous red card in that horrific match against the Fire last year. That makes things interesting as Dyachenko is Gallardo’s only obvious backup, and it would seem likely Soehn would try to get his Argentine superstar some rest towards the end of this game considering the big match in Mexico looming. Maybe Moose gets a shot in there, or out wide as Fred moves inside. If a third sub comes on, seems likely Stratford for Simms, or Mediate for an emergency situation.


I won’t send Webb into spasms by calling for an outright win, but it does look like it’s shaping up for a nice 2-1 win, soccer gods willing. However, clearly the more important game is in Pachuca on Tuesday, so when asked if he had to chose between a trophy in Concacaf or in MLS. Wells said cheerily “Let’s do both” and he gets the last word.

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