Below is my interview with Lawson Vaughn. He signed with United on September 11 of last year and provided cover at right back when Namoff suffered from his concussion. Here is what he had to say about the differences at United and his hopes for the team in the next season:
1 ) In coach Onalfo's introductory press conference, he mentioned the infrastructure of the club as a reason he desired to be here. As a player who has recently spent time with Chivas USA, what have been the differences you have noticed between the two clubs?
For the most part everything was pretty similar. It really is the little things that set the two clubs apart for me. Obviously DC has a longer and more successful history behind them which leads to very high expectations. Anything we accomplished at Chivas was really the first in club history. At DC, I feel the general expectation among everyone here is to win the MLS Cup and Supporter’s Shield every season. Every team strives for that and that’s their goal, but at DC it feels like an expectation which is what I like. The relationships from top to bottom here at DC are very good and there is a high level of respect shown from everyone which is something I like.
2) What were the biggest challenges you had to face as a player coming mid season as opposed to starting the season with a team from the beginning?
It was actually an easy transition in the locker room. All the guys welcomed me in and made it simple. On the field it was about the same. Playing right back, for me, is playing right back. Both teams like to attack and as an outside back my role was pretty much the same. The only difficult part really was learning my teammates tendencies and just picking up that sixth sense of where each players going to be. At the end of the day, we’re all professionals and are able to adapt to playing with different players and in different systems. With that said, I think being able to go through an entire preseason would be better for me. It allows for a team to really become a strong unit. In order for a back four or team to be great defensively, we need to train and work together as much as possible to become a cohesive unit.
3) Other than consistency, what do you feel the biggest opportunities are for the defense of United?
I think the defense can definitely be better. We have good young defenders here and 2010 will be a good chance to show the league and fans what we’re capable of as a unit. This season will give us the opportunity to really establish ourselves and help the team win something. I would like to see more shutouts and holding teams to no more than 1 goal a game. We have the offensive players to create havoc and to score some goals, but we as a defense need to keep our team in games. The longer we keep the other team at 0, even if we haven’t scored, we have a better chance of winning or coming away with points.
4) What have you been doing this off season in order to prepare for next season?
First, I wanted to give my body a little time to rest. When I came to DC, I hadn’t played in a meaningful game in over a year so my body took a little beating in trying to get back to that level. I have been following our workout program which consists of a little yoga, weights, and conditioning. I would like to get my first step back to where it was a couple years ago so that is a focus. Also, I’ve been playing some to keep my mind going and to stay in shape for soccer.
5) What do you feel are realistic expectations for DC United in the upcoming season?
The first expectation is to make the playoffs and finish in the top 4 if not win the Supporter’s Shield. From just the past few years, we’ve found out that any team can make the playoffs and make a run once they are there so I don’t think winning an MLS Cup is impossible either. I definitely expect the team not give up 44 goals again. To win championships you either need to have a strong defense or an extremely potent and explosive offense.
Thanks once again for taking the time to speak with me and to the fans of DC United.
-Black and Red on Both Sides
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