Ben Olsen should wear the captain's armband next year. Etch is not the 90-minute force he once was (no shame in that) and Moreno needs to sort himself out before taking on leading the team. Pope is another logical choice, but he's not the vocal leader we need. Olsen is. Along with the aforementioned three and ABMOD, he is the link back to the glory days. He remembers what it was like when DC won and won a lot. He's also young enough to be around when we start winning again. He embodies the heart, grit and skill we expect from our team. Give him the armband. Sachin
I must concede that I was not real happy with the way that Olsen played at times this year- I love the hustle and effort, but his cheap fouls (for example, Donovan several times away from the ball) and tantrums are not optimal actions for players to look up to as proper. Get him focusing 100% on the game again- no stupid, unecessary fouls or ridiculous rants against the refs then I totally agree with you. We really need a strong, vocal leader who stays out of trouble. Otherwise we may as well keep Etch as captain. Or even trade for Cleatis.
What about Convey? He looked great at the end of the season. He was one of the highest-scoring players, and was doing well in the central-mid position.
What about Pope? I hate to be a dork, and reply to myself....but Pope is a team-veteral with Nat'l team experience. I know he's quiet, but he's a definite leader.
Amen Sachin. Been sayin this one for awhile now... And please the last person who deserves it is Moreno. While I'm not ruling out a turnaround for him next season, and I still hope for this, even in his prime he always did worse in games as Captain.
Re: What about Pope? I have to agree with you. Somehow I think that if asked he would become more vocal and take on the responsibilities of a captain. He definitely has the maturity required for being captain, and as much as I love Bennie, he doesn't.
Re: Re: What about Pope? They tried that at the beginning of the year. It didn't work. They gave the armband back to Etch.
being captain is meaningless. it's just an honor. leaders lead, whether they have an extra armband or not.
being captain for your club, tends to make people look at you as better, say you are a MLS coach. you have two identically good college players, and one of them was the captain, they will take the captain, or if they have the funds both.. but norm the captain
I also think Olsen would make an excellent captain, once Etch is gone. Until then, it is and should be Etch's team IMHO. I'd be all for splitting the duties though. -Tron
He's young, and he may jump to the EPL, but to me the vocal leader on the field this year (without the cheap fouls) has been Nelsen. If he stays, he should get consideration.
If Nelsen leaves DC United it wouldn't be for the EPL. It might be for a lower division English team, but he's not attracting any EPL interest that I have heard of at this point. Now if you meant Olsen, well perhaps, but not for next season, because he's had a long time off because of injury, and he has horrible fitness and speed at this point. His comeback is still in the early stages unfortunately. Maybe after next season, but clearly not before then. -Tron
I thought Harkes was still Captain? Um...I think Olsen is a good idea. But, it will probably just continue to be whoever Etcheverry passes the armband to after he gets subbed out in the second half. Nobody has mentioned Rimando. I don't like keepers as captains either, but he is vocal. Pope doesn't talk. Captains should talk. Leadership by example is good for players. But, captains have to lead by example and talk.