DC United have plenty of talent to work with in preparation for the 2013/2014 MLS season, and manager Ben Olsen should be very pleased with this firepower. DC United had their rough patches last season, but conjured up a series of great performances to see themselves all the way to the Eastern Conference finals where the squad eventually fell to the Houston Dynamo.
Numerous positives could be drawn from Ben Olsen's squad: Lionard Pajoy's excellent movement and pressure in the attack, Nick DeLeon's rookie leadership and pace along the wings, Perry Kitchen solidifying the midfield role alongside the likes of Lewis Neal and Marcelo Saragosa. As countless positives that can be drawn from last season, a refreshed squad may make yet another deep run into the playoffs this season.
Olsen's Army will welcome an additional three former Maryland Terps as well, as Casey Townsend, Taylor Kemp and Ethan White all join the club, who will once again feature alongside MLS Rookie of the Year finalist Nick DeLeon. Of the incoming former Terp's, the 17th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, Taylor Kemp, may be able to provide the most immediate impact. Kemp is a natural left-back who will give DC United who could feature in replace for the departed Andy Najar.
On a more somber note, homegrown former squad member Andy Najar has since moved on to Anderlecht. Although United will lack Najar's blistering pace and added presence in the attack for DC United, we must support the youngster's European ambitions-and could feature for Honduras against the United States in their upcoming World Cup Qualifier. DC also made way for the Albanian, Hamdi Salihi, whom never really was given a chance in the starting lineup. The natural poacher was a goal scoring machine prior to his MLS arrival, yet his move to the MLS never seemed to clique. However, all the best to Salihi in his future endeavors.
Below are a few predictions:
Chris Pontius will lead DC United with goals:
Chris Pontius served as the captain down the stretch as Dwayne De Rosario was out with injury. The leadership role that Pontius took upon himself was exceptionally filled and will finally find his scoring touch. Coupled with success at the club level, I predict that the attacking midfield/forward will also see a call up to the National squad. Although he has been known to drift in and out of games, look for Pontius to assert his presence in the middle of the park, and finally produce numerous goals for Ben Olsen's squad.
Dwayne De Rosario returns to excellent form:
Despite devastating injury to conclude the season, and limited minutes in United's second leg against the Dynamo, "DeRo" will continue his old form. As a silky midfielder who can shoot from just about anywhere within 30 yards, his lethal tendencies will push DC United towards a potential MLS Cup birth.
Bill Hamid to lead MLS in clean sheets, and named MLS GK of the Year
Hamid quickly has made a name for himself in the MLS, and I predict that he will lead the MLS in clean sheets. Much thanks to Dejan Jakovic, Chris Korb, Brandon McDonald and others, Hamid will have plenty of defensive support in front of him; however, as he proved last term, he is capable of producing many memorable saves. Hamid is the future of USA goalkeepers, and in the current squad make-up at DC United, he may just see himself in Europe in a few seasons.
Nick DeLeon will be United's "X Factor":
After an excellent rookie season, and spectacular post-season Nick DeLeon can only build off his beginning season. The former Louisville Cardinal's pace and crossing ability is exceptional for a youngster (even receiving call ups to the Trinidad and Tobago National Squad). If he can continue to build off his previous season, and continue his hard work ethic, the sky is the limit for DeLeon.
Perry Kitchen to be DC United's MVP:
Perry Kitchen proved he can be a very reliable source of added defense to the DC United back line. As Kitchen continues his excellent tackling, look for the young holding midfielder to be an ever-present source of leadership on and off the pitch. The calm, cool, and collected midfielder could continue his fine form with another breakout season where his consistent presence on the pitch may spring-board the Red and Black's towards the top of the Eastern Conference.
DC United Projected Lineup: Bill Hamid; Robbie Russell, Brandon McDonald, Dejan Jakovic, Chris Korb; Nick DeLeon, Perry Kitchen, Dwayne De Rosario, Rafael; Chris Pontius, Lionard Pajoy
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
