Questions for United first game.
by DCU Z Johnson on Mar 27, 2010 5:22 PM EDT
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PrintLater today D.C. United will face the Kansas City Wizards at 8:30 p.m. (EST) in Kansas City. United look to hit the ground running as they try to prove to the rest of the MLS that their glory days are not over. Head Coach Curt Onalfo will especially hope to win this one, since he was fired from the Wizards in the '09 season. Here are some key questions United and its fans should keep in mind for tonight:
- Who is starting exactly? The only clear decision at any position is Troy Perkins in goal. The list of players who have played well at their position over the preseason, but have not secured a starting spot is rather extensive. However, Chris Pontuis, Santino Quaranta, Christian Castillo, and Dejan Jakovic are very likely to be starters.
- Will Curt Onalfo meet his lofty expectations? United fans are full of pride, and though a little skeptical at first, believe firmly that Onalfo will re-ignite United's feared attack and guide us to the playoffs. However, new teammates Danny Allsopp and Adam Cristman will have to earn the right to be called United's best off-season acquisitions.
- Can DC's defense hold against the Wizards? The United back-line has undergone a lot of changes since Onalfo has taken over. The projected line-up will likely have Rodney Wallace adjusting to left or right back, inconsistent Julius James, ever-improving Dejan Jakovic, and veteran Carey Talley. The back-line will also have GK Perkins leading them, who has become many consider to be DC United's best goalkeeper of the last decade.
- Will we see this Andy Najar kid play? Midfielder Najar (17 years old) signed with United's senior team over the pre-season after playing exceptionally well in friendlies. Onalfo has shown interest in playing him in today's opener.
Well there you have it. 4 questions that immediately come to mind for today's friendly.
In case you were wondering, here is my starting line-up:
Perkins
Talley - James - Jakovic - Wallace
Barklage - Quaranta - Simms - Castillo
Moreno - Pontuis
Here we come Wizards. Vamos United.
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Allsopp and Cristman?
I’m expecting good things from Danny and Adam, but nothing spectacular. Our two bigger off-season acquisitions were Perkins and Castillo, and I would be pretty confident that Pena ends up being a bigger “get” as well.
As for our defense holding, I like our defense a lot this year. We’re a little weak this game with no Burch, Namoff, Pena, or McTavish, but I like Jakovic in a four man line, am higher on James than most, and really like the addition of Carey Talley. For Kansas City, Davy Arnaud scares me a bit, but I think we should handle the Wizards with ease. I expect quite a few more clean sheets this year than the last two when we bled goals.
Onalfo has said Najar will play in the opener. I’m excited to see him, and wonder if he can bring some creativity that the midfield seems to lack.
Back line
In general, I believe our defense will be the best its been in several years. But for this match in particular, I’m a bit worried. I’ll feel safer when Pena arrives, and MUCH safer when Namoff recovers.
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