Off Season Video of a Brazilian Exodus...

This off season has seen its share of changes so far. Players of fans affection and objection are on the move to and from the club. Below are a couple of videos to help you keep track and for your viewing pleasure. Let your imagination run wild and your eyes tear up as you become reminiscent of good times.

Our new left sided winger...
Christian Castillo.

Our new well traveled forward...
Danny Allsopp.

Our beloved trickster and inconsistent finisher who is on to pastures more Novak...
Fred.

Our poacher, our singer, our notoriously slow and lead footed forward who will samba in the land of samba this upcoming season...
Emilio.

And last, but never in the least, Happy Birthday to our legend...
Mr. Ice Water in the Veins Moreno

Changes, they are a brewin...

I could only imagine the title of this post said in a Brad Pitt, Inglorious Basterd accent. Thus, the picture. So there is quite a lot going on right now, so lets recap.


New coach- CHECK
Roster- not so much check
Draft- soon to be check
Stadium- ZZZZZZZZZZZ (hopeful 2014 check)

Please refer to some earlier posts regarding the coaching position. Right now, we are going to look at the current roster situation. Yesterday, The Washington Post reported that the option on Fred's contract has been picked up, but that the option on Christian Gomez's has not. This, in addition to the option on Emilio's contract not being picked up can only mean one thing, the team could have a different look to it next year. Last year was always going to be a difficult year for United since it was the beginning of what has been called "a youth movement," "a transition year," or as I like to call it, "the young bucks taketh over the team." This year, we see a continuation of this reflected in the contract negotiations. It has been reported that both Gomez and Emilio have been offered lower salary amounts to come back, that Emilio has been pursuing other options and that Gomez appears to want to return. It is all a waiting game at this point. I will say that professional soccer players are very opportunistic with contracts. One good season and they want to lock in at a high rate, but they are unwilling to take less money if their performance lessens. Interesting, isn't it? The last player in what could be considered the old reign is Jaime Moreno, whom Goff reports is close to signing another one year deal. Good move. He was effective in limited minutes last year and should be treated as royalty for what he has given this team and league. There will definitely be more regarding the roster and these players, so stay tuned!

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!