The Onalfo Presser...

There were some interesting quotes in the Washington Post today regarding some of the doubts supporters likely have regarding Onalfo's previous head coaching record at Kansas City. Steve Goff reports:

"I know people will question that, but situations are different everywhere," United President Kevin Payne said.

"I was reminded the other day that [Patriots Coach] Bill Belichick had a losing record in Cleveland before he went to New England and became one of the most successful coaches in the history of American football. It's a matter of the fit and the growth of a person. Curt has grown."

I can buy in to this. I think this is an optimistic way to begin looking at a new coach. Needless to say, this argument could be made for a lot of new head coaches, but Onalfo certainly comes from a background which make him seem to be a great fit in the organization. He sure is enthusiastic, which I am a huge fan of.

"D.C. United is dear to my heart," said Onalfo, who prior to coaching Kansas City was a U.S. national team assistant under former D.C. coach Bruce Arena. "It's a big market, it's an important market and I've prepared myself now 10 years as a professional soccer coach for a place like D.C. United. It's a dream job. We have enormous work ahead of us, but make no mistake about it, priority number one is to get this team back to the playoffs and qualified for international tournaments."

So day one complete for the new coach. I would like to think he ended it with what could only be considered as the equivalent of a hat trick for any coach. According to Goff's twitter account he bought the supporters who stuck around at Black Finn last night a round of drinks. WOW! Great one coach! Attacking soccer...fans are important...free booze...Coach Onalfo knows the way to our hearts, doesn't he?

...and the assistance comes from...

Kris Kelderman, Mark Simpson, and Benny Olsen will be the assistant coaches for Curt Onalfo. Kelderman was Onalfo's right hand man in Kansas City and also has experience as a player for DC United and coach of the U-17 team for the club. He was also previously an assistant at George Mason University. Simpson stays on and Olsen fills out the contigent which has all played for United previously. I am excited that Benny is back, but not all too surprised. Would it have been the same team without having Benny clsoely involved. Let's hope he can develop a way to put his heart and determination in to coaching and pulling the same attributes out of the players!

Onalfo and the Draft

An analysis of Onalfo's success in the Superdraft courtesy of Goal.com

Fact about D.C. United's new coach Curt Onalfo's draft history: in his three years in charge of Kansas City, he had fourteen picks (including a #1 overall pick), only two of those fourteen turned into regular starters. That was a team that started Lance Watson frequently. MLS - "Where improving your team in the off-season is optional." This team definitely needs some help at defense, but there are no players on the board worth a pick this early in the draft. That said, Onalfo chased a fullback last year and the year before that, he is going to do it again. There is always a bad decision in the top half of the draft and this is it. To Loyd's credit, he is going to be a very useful professional especially in a league where utility is a huge benefit with small roster sizes.

We are all aware of United's past difficulties in the draft. let's hope last year was a sign that we have turned a corner in this area.

Onalfo...

The team announced the sixth coach in team history today. It can be debated whether this was a good move, but I, for one, will put faith that the club has done it's due diligence in making the decision to have Curt Onalfo lead the charge starting this season. I believe there are reasons for optimism:

1) Youthful, energetic coach, 2) His familiarity with the team ideals and staff, 3) His history of working with young players in his time directing our United Youth Development program for two years.

I also believe there are issues which make this a questionable decision:

1) His sketchy success as a head coach while in Kansas City, 2) Despite his resume which boasts time leading our youth development, he has had sketchy results in the MLS Superdraft, 3) The continued recurrence of his language abilities as a qualification to be a head coach of United.

I believe there are certain things which will dictate whether or not this new leadership will be successful. I first believe that the relationship between Kasper, Onalfo and Ashton must click. There has to be communication and a consensual understanding on the direction of the club and player acquisitions. I also believe that Onalfo's ability to direct the transition of Moreno, Emilio and Gomez to younger legs will be critical.

My ultimate feeling is that the Onalfo decision was high risk, but could also be high reward. I do believe the resourses and set up at United are advanced in comparison to Kansas City and that this could be helpful for Onalfo, but I am equally not placated by the excuse that Kansas City was a team without talent as a reason that Onalfo struggled during his tenure there. I think that his enthusiasm and understanding of the high expectations that come with the coaching position at DC United are important. We want people who understand what it means to wear OUR badge. He has my support and my hopes. Good luck Curt!