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Two players left D.C. United's preseason camp in Florida this weekend without contract offers from the Black-and-Red. Neither was unexpected. Joseph Nane and Jan Frederiksen are now free to pursue contracts elsewhere in MLS or outside of the league, but neither will be calling RFK home in 2013.
Joseph Nane made two appearances for United in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic this month, both times leaving observers wanting more. While the central midfielder was adequate defensively, he was too slow in his decision-making on the ball, and the team saw possessions routed through the Cameroonian lose all forward momentum, as Nane would take too many touches on the ball and be closed down by opponents, leading to backward passes that sapped any attacking intent from the move. His second appearance, against Sporting Kansas City, in particular convinced many of us - and apparently Ben Olsen, too - that Nane was not long for United.
Jan Frederiksen was more impressive in his appearances for the capital club, making smart runs from his left fullback position and combining well in possession. Even if we never saw him tested in the defensive phase, Frederiksen struck many of us as well worthy of a roster spot. However, as we discussed yesterday, salary cap and international roster slot calculus combined with the Dane's salary demands and United's relative depth at fullback to scuttle Frederiksen's chances of landing a contract.
This leaves the likes of Matt VanOekel, Kyle Porter, Marcos Sanchez, Walter Martinez, Henry Kalungi, Shavar Thomas and Ryan Richter as trialists remaining in camp. As we discussed on Filibuster last week, VanOekel is unlikely to receive an offer, as United already have three goalkeepers under contract. Of the rest, only Shavar Thomas and Richter and Martinez (whose wife is American, as per the comments below) would not require international roster slots.
UPDATE: D.C. United announced on Twitter this morning that MLS journeyman Shavar Thomas has been released from his trial and is no longer with the club, as well.
We can be sure the roster moves aren't finished yet, but exactly what's in store is still a bit hazy. Let us know your thoughts about these departures and who has the best chance of landing a contract with United down in the comments.
