Welcome back Ben Olsen!

[Stogey23]

Here's one rival fan who was thrilled to see Ben Olsen running up and down your flanks once again.

I hope that Ben's injury problems are now behind him.

Best of luck Ben!

[Th4119]

Word. He had more quality chances than anyone else on the pitch, and he was only out there for 30 minutes after 1 1/2 years off.

When he's going 90 for us by the end of the season, it will be something special. Hopefully we'll be able to squeak into the playoffs because with him healthy, Moreno and Q1 coming back, we might actually be able to score a goal or two.

[Red&Black]

i was just so happy to see him out there. good for him. man he still has it, i'd say.

[JMU Soccer!]

Wow, thanks Matt,

Mark Sunday August 25th down, "Metrodonkey" time.

[Th4119]

Originally posted by JMU Soccer!
Wow, thanks Matt,

Mark down Sunday August 25th down, "Metrodonkey" time.

He could be going at least 70 by then I think, maybe even pushing 90.

[HSV Hooligan]

Hopefully Benny doesn't get "too" good. Don't get me wrong, I'd be the first to wish the best for Ben, and that he actually does become a bigger star than he was before his surgeries, but if that happens...well, he's out of DC! Whether he'd be going across the pond, or to another MLS team because he doesn't fit the "how can we lose today" attitude that it seems like it has taken over. Well, good luck to Ben, and hopefully MLS and DC officials will realize that it would be a good thing to pay the likes of Benny to stay put (especially in DC).

[Jose L. Couso]

Ben Olsen showed why he is such a special player.

It is only a matter of time before he gets to the next level.

I am going to enjoy watching him as long as he is with DC United. And then I can always watch him when he plays for the USA.

Glad to have you back Ben!

[nancyb]

It was absolutely great to see him play again. Maybe the Convey, Q2, Olsen combo can make something happen.

[chilistrider]

Ben was always my favorite when I lived in D.C. He was injured about the time I moved to Denver, and I've been wondering ever since if he'd be back on the field someday. Watching John Harkes doing commentary on ESPN during World Cup, part of me kept saying, "Oh no---that could be Ben in 2006..."

So, glad to hear he's back, and glad to hear he's helping the team to some good chances. I just hope he doesn't run my Rapids into the ground the next time United comes to the Mile High City!

[Th4119]

I don't see how or why Ben will be here after the next season if he is still playing. He's said numerous times he wants back in England, and he'll get it if he's healthy.

[Barbara]

Originally posted by Thamlin19
I don't see how or why Ben will be here after the next season if he is still playing. He's said numerous times he wants back in England, and he'll get it if he's healthy.


He might need the rest of this season and part of next season to prove to the clubs over there that he's still got it. But there's no way he'll still be in the US in 2004.


But you know what? I don't really care. The idea that his career might have been over was so horrifying that I'm just happy he's healthy and playing again. That he's playing for DC is just a bonus. He's too special of a player to have his career end at 23.

[Hezbolt]

To see benny out there was something special. I even went into work late to see his comeback and I am glad I did.

My wife has been hearing me talk about Bennie and how good he was. Even with all the rust he had she was still impressed with his play.

His is, has been, and probly will be one of my favorite players to watch.

[wolvesunited]

i'm glad benny got back on the field. i hope we get more of that but i don't think we should jump the gun here. he's been out 2 years almost. but i'm sure he's soooo excited to have finally gotten back on the field. anyone talk to him or have quotes from him?

[DigitalTron]

Ben may WANT to move back to England, but there is zero chance of that until after the 2003 season ends. MLS will not let him go midseason, and English clubs aren't exactly happy with US players' healths. O'Brien, Reyna, Berhalter, Olsen, Thorrington, McBride, Mathis, etc. Too many games lost to injuries. They'll require an entire season of health prior to any serious offers. Probably more.

Also, Ben is still experiencing pain. Yeah, he played 15 quality minutes and stayed on the pitch despite being worn out for another 18, but he's got a long way to being match fit. Also, who knows how long he'll be out following his 30+ minute exhileration run. Rarely has he participated in heavy workouts without totally missing the following day entirely.

Ben's attitude is much needed. With Moreno, Olsen and Gazza, I think our attack would regain that swagger, even if they didn't have the full compliment of talent to back it up yet.

If Ben went to the EPL (totally unfounded whimsical speculation), I'd love to see him turn up at Sunderland with Reyna. They're in terrible need of someone with his attitude.

Get well Ben, and we're very excited about your return. The first game was a tease, but we now that you've still got the magic. :)

-Tron

[odg78]

--Seeing Ben at Sunderland would be great. Since they had interest in DMB earlier they could have a great yank trio in midfield.

More importantly, I was watching the game on the Shootout eagerly anticipating Benny's arrival. Right before it happens the video goes out and there's just a blue "Technical Difficulties" screen up. I can still hear everything happening and I hear the crowd cheering and the announcers saying that Ben is in the game. I'm yelling at my tv and cursing the Shootout because I'm missing it all. Bastards.

[GoDC]

The only place I want to see Ben is with DC United. Stay here Ben and stay healthy!!! :D

[BroonAleMagpie]

We watched the game after we got home from our weekend trip last night. It was so sweet to see Ben out there! Obviously he didn't want to come out, and just as obviously he was laboring by then. I'm glad if someone is keeping an eye on him; I think he tries to come back way too fast from injuries, and I suspsect that that may be behind some of his injury problems (getting just better enough to reinjure himself).

I doubted after all the time he'd been off and the succession of operations that we would ever see him ont he field again. I was SOOOOOO glad to be wrong!!!

Go Ben! (But listen to the physio, even if he's tellign you what you don't want to hear...)

[JAnderson14]

Originally posted by BarbDett
He might need the rest of this season and part of next season to prove to the clubs over there that he's still got it. But there's no way he'll still be in the US in 2004.


But you know what? I don't really care. The idea that his career might have been over was so horrifying that I'm just happy he's healthy and playing again. That he's playing for DC is just a bonus. He's too special of a player to have his career end at 23.
100% agreed.

[DC Forever]

That was great. When Ben came over to the sideline at the end of halftime, took off his pinny and started relacing his boots, people started to figure out that he was going in then and there and the buzz that went through the crowd was almost enough to make you forget how bad we suck. The other players all coming by and patting him on the back was a great touch, too. A nice moment.

And for a guy who hasn't kicked a ball in anger for two years, he was damn good. Nearly every touch accomplished something useful.

This season is probably beyond salvage, but thinking about Olson, Quaranta, Moreno, and Convey all healthy and in synch next year makes me drool -- Etcheverry or not.

[GDopplerXT]

I agree with everyone, it was a real treat to see Ben back on the pitch in a United jersey. I'm very happy I was there to see it.

Has anyone heard how his ankles are holding up after the game? I'm curious to know if there was any significant pain or discomfort after playing at full match speed. I don't want him to rush back too quickly, but I sure as hell want him out on the field for DC if he's able.