The 2012 season is almost upon us, and optimism reigns around RFK Stadium as DC United make their final preparations for the upcoming year. Armed with firepower, two DPs, a solid defense, and an Olympic team keeper, there are very few reasons to not be excited. For the first time since the Peter Novak era, the roster seems to be filled with talent AND can boast depth as well, since some of the starters from last year will probably begin this season on the bench. There will be a big push for the playoffs this season, and the expectation is that DC United will finally make it back to the chase for the MLS Cup. Some have even said that DC United could be a dark horse for the Eastern Conference title. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s just make the playoffs first.
Here’s how the current squad looks:
Goalkeeping
By far the youngest position, the two keepers on the roster are Bill Hamid and Joe Willis. Hamid is the clear starter, but due to the probability of missing some matches because of the 2012 Olympics, Willis could also be in the spotlight for a few matches in the Summer. This means that the back-up position will be very important. Andrew Dykstra, a trialist who played for the Charleston Battery last season, is expected to be signed soon. In fact, Dykstra already mentioned in his blog that he had signed with DC United, however nothing has been confirmed officially. If Dykstra is signed, he could challenge Willis for the back-up role. (Editor’s note: Dykstra has now officially signed with DC United.)
Defense
What a difference a year can make! Last year, I was writing about how young this defensive unit was. In fact, I believe the average age was around 22-23 years old with limited experience. This season, the average age is 26 which is a huge change. Plus, the experience of newly acquired players Robbie Russell, and Emiliano Dudar will help keep this back line more stable. The argument can be made that the defense has the most depth, since every returning player has starting experience from 2011. Ethan White, one of United’s main centerbacks from 2011, will probably be on the bench behind players like Dudar, Dejan Jakovic, and Brandon McDonald. This unit should be exciting because this could be the first year since 2007 that United has had a stable defense.
Midfield
This is the biggest wild card area for United this season. This unit is extremely creative, dangerous, and talented, but will it all come together? Branko Boskovic (remember him?) and Chris Pontius are both returning from serious injuries. The midfield really depends on them this year as they are two of the big attacking players. The other, Andy Najar, is now in his third season in a Black and Red uniform, and should be on the brink of stardom. Louisville draftee Nick DeLeon and ex-Houston Dynamo player Danny Cruz will offer quality options off the bench, while one of last year’s best rookies Perry Kitchen, who led United in minutes played last season, all but has the defensive midfield position locked up. Overall, this will be one of the best midfield units in the MLS, but only IF they can stay healthy.
Forwards
Since everyone else is now listing Dwayne De Rosario as a forward, I will jump on the bandwagon and do the same. While he played both midfield and forward for United last season, De Rosario was at his best when playing up top. This year De Rosario will have a little help. The new Designated Player Hamdi Salihi, from Algeria, will be expected to fill the role of Charlie Davies, and hopefully exceed Davies’ production from last season. Salihi has been a great goal-scorer wherever he’s been, and fingers are crossed that he’ll do the same here. He’s already made an impact in the Carolina Challenge Cup with a goal against the Chicago Fire, so hopefully that is a sign of things to come. Backing De Rosario and Salihi up are Josh Wolff and Maicon Santos. Both are great MLS veterans that have the potential to be super-subs late in matches.
Overall, this squad has everything it needs to make it all the way to the MLS Cup but the season is long, grueling, and sometimes unforgiving. Not only will the eleven best players have to contribute, but everyone will have to do their share in order to make the playoffs. If everyone can stay mainly healthy, this team is one of the most dangerous teams in the MLS this season.
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
