On a picture perfect 75 degree day in Florida Ben Olsen was sitting on the sidelines with his hand on his chin, looking much like The Thinker. However, I believe he over thought this game. He sometimes does this, but then bounces back the next game. The Rowdy fans behind me couldn't figure out why DC United looked so bad in the first half, and I let them know that this was Montreal's first team against DC United's second team. They asked "Why?" and I just shrugged my shoulders. After the first half I did not expect to see the first team and I wanted to ask for a discount on my ticket. But with this type of weather (see picture), I just sat back and enjoyed seeing the game for what it was--a true test to see how the new players do against a first team.

Then around the 65th minute, there was a complete turnaround. The first team of DC United trotted out on the field to play the second string of Montreal. Could they comeback? If this was the planned strategy, it backfired. Our first team got outscored 1-0. To be fair, they did look good in the process. I have been trying hard, but I cannot fathom a reason why you wouldn't start you first team and take them out after 30 minutes if you want to rest them for CONCACAF. I am sure there were some lessons to be learned from seeing prospect play against the opposing first team. But if you want the first team to play only 30 minutes, why not just start them and bring on the substitute.

I am going to keep my mostly off the ball last preseason impressions short.

Robinson had a nightmare of a game in terms of positioning, and most goals and some near goals came because he was letting players get behind him. This meant the rest of the defense was scrambling. Off the ball, I noticed Oduro kept edging over to be beside Robinson. Starting Halsti as the only first team player (and out of position) seemed very odd, and certainly did nothing for his confidence. Clowes looked very good again both on and off the ball. He can contribute this year. Acosta needs to play offensive midfield rather than forward. He looked lost up front and then very good as he started dropping back to help out. Even the Rowdy fans behind me commented that he looked very good when he was in the midfield. Busher has some potential, but does need some work on quickness. He looked out of sorts at forward and better in the midfield. Martin had some moments, but there weren't enough of them. I hope I am wrong but Aguillar does not look improved from last season. Neagle looked great on the wing, but not so good at forward. DeLeon still struggles with finishing and for me, the sooner this center midfield experiment ends, the better. He just looks so much better on the outside.

So that's it from preseason Florida. I really enjoyed seeing the new players and some look quite good. Let the real games begin.