News: 2022 - DCU Club Discussion and Analysis

D.C. United vs Toronto FC kickoff is being pushed to 6:30 pm ET on Saturday, I’m told. Awaiting official word (probably Fri morning). #mls #dcu #tfc https://t.co/VTznQaaHA5

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) May 20, 2022

 

Maybe Felipe just wanted to leave. Maybe he was one of the guys who couldn't stand Losada. Mora and Moreno too.

 

now that we know what went on behind closed gates this is a fair question.

 

Based on his social media posts through November, December and January, I could only deduce that he wanted to stay. And further, on his social media, he's a fitness fanatic. I'd be surprised if he wasn't one of the best conditioned players on the team prior to Losada. He also has two young boys who were playing local soccer. At some point, you want to settle in a community and give your family consistency. I'd be super surprised if he wanted out.

 

Except for Taxi, we have no speed going forward - This just kills us on offense - Flores is only so-so - If he could anticipate better his quickness would help, but he seems to be consistently befuddled out there - Kamara and Estrada as both gallomphing big guys - Kamara gets up to his top speed after 3-4 strides but it isn't much - Hard to say about Yow or anybody else up there since most of long passes up field have been aimed at Kamara or Estrada - HUGE mistake

Which brings to lack of speed into the midfield - Absolutely horrid - Najar can be fast (at least some of the time) and Gressel hustles like hell, but NOBODY else has any speed what so ever - Canouse is OK, about a B+ level midfielder - And he's out, so we're left with Durkin (B-) and Skundrich (D or lower) - Good Grief! - We used have the one of the quickest midfields in the league 3 years ago - What Happened? - Its one thing to be slow with great ball control, but we're saddled with slow and dumb ball control - A recipe for languishing in the bottom half

 

We looked quick because everyone had to respect whatever magic Rooney might pull out of his hat. The players talked about having half a step of extra time because of Rooney.

 

Filled out my STH mid season online survey. In answer to question about improving the STH experience, I wrote “spend more money on the squad and fire Dave Kasper.” Done deal right?

 

Yes, Kasper is such a mystery to me. I mean, if I claim to read up on Billy Beane and the annual MLS casta-sides list, could I too have such job security?

 

Jeez, they're prolly scared to send that to me

 

I've heard several times that Pines is the fastest player on team - and it's not even close. Watch for it and you'll see he closes space faster than anyone else when getting back. I wonder if he ever played up top.

 

But like most tall players it takes him several steps to reach his top speed. He's fast - very fast-- but not quick. To play well up top you need quickness.

 

Makes sense. I never thought of that.

 

Here is our answer, lol.

 

Kasper is more likely to sign Fritmore Zitterus in the Tajikistan Third Division, I'd wager. (But he's scored 30 goals this year, and he only costs $100!)

 

Do we have the coffee culture for him?

 

An impressive performance by Appalachian FC players and supporters tonight. Thanks to DC United U-23s for coming to the High Country for the Squatchy Friendly. It was a Beautiful night for the Beautiful Game. Safe travels back to Washington DC! pic.twitter.com/NJODK4U8D5

— Appalachian FC (@AppalachianFc) June 1, 2022

 

Oh lordy the kids were beaten by yeti.
Anyone else find it interesting that an expansion team with a better record than us just fired their coach?

 

We fired ours first!

 

Yeah, "We win trop..." Wait, what do we win for that?

 

Losing: It's what we do at all levels.

 

Not sure where this fits so I thought I'd put here.

Here's something fun: I'm told ESPN are bringing on #DCU icon and 2006 World Cup veteran Ben Olsen to help out with their US soccer coverage. Tho his past opponents in MLS (and maybe a few referees) might not see it, he's a charismatic guy and I expect he'll be a natural for TV.

— Charles Boehm (@cboehm) June 1, 2022

 

As much as I loathe our FO these days, I will give them credit for not stooping to this level:

From The Athletic: "Multiple sources confirmed a report that [sporting director Zoran] Krneta had directed the players to not comment about Ramirez’s dismissal or offer the coach support on social media. This was a demand that wasn’t well received by some of the players, and one that underscores Krneta’s own approach to governance at the club."