So, we're 3 losses into the season. Sure, it's bad. But it's not that bad. The funny thing is that while I see 0 points on the table for United and 10 for RBNY and Chicago, I don't feel any nervousness or lack of faith in United. Sure, they're playing poorly and they're not a good team, right now… but still, I don't feel worried. In fact, I suspect this may be exactly what this team needs. And the reason I'm not too concerned about our recent form comes down to one thing: SKILL We've got natural skill and ability. It's not like we're losing these games because we don't have the talent compete at this level. If it were, then I'd be concerned, but it's not. No, the players' talent and skill are not the problem. When you look at our roster, we've got several players with impressive notes next to their names: MVPs, All-Stars, US National Team members, Goal Keeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, etc. There's a lot of talent. So much so, that most of the press (and many fans) around the league flagged DC United as their favorite to win the Cup this year. That talent is still here. That skill is here. And, for the most part, we've improved in this category over last year. What this team lacks right now is focus. They've come into this season with three straight successful seasons, including one MLS Cup and one Supporters Shield. The team has come into this season with an expectation of winning. They've become so use to winning that some of them have forgotten what winning takes. I also think that DC, as well as Houston, is suffering from a bit of Champions Cup hangover. They put a lot into those games, only to come away empty handed. I also think it's easier for a team to fight together when in an international tournament, than in the weekly grind of a long season. There's no glamour in beating the Kansas City Wizards or the Columbus Crew, like there is in beating other CONCACAF teams. Unfortunately, that lack of glamour does not warrant a lack of focus. Focus can be coached… can be instilled… can be drawn out of players. . It can be demanded by the head coach, by the captain, or by the bench player who's fighting for a starting roster spot. Nowak did it with Nelsen and Stewart's help in 2004. Right now, Soehn is trying to do it by benching players who have lost focus, because there's nothing more unnerving than watching a player who's not focused game in, game out continue to play. If Erpen hadn't been benched, or Gomez and Carroll benched, then I would worry. But that's not happening. Over the next two games, we should players like Moreno and Oslen demand more out of their teammates. This team will turn itself around with plenty of time contend for whatever goals it has for the rest of the season.
Ughh, if we're losing, but show some sort of structure on the team, then I wouldn't worry. We really suck right now. The play is scrappy and the team is dependent on individual skill. All jokes asside, we are watching highschool soccer. The players lack motivation and a structured plan on how to play. The coach is at fault, not the players. Soehns benching strategy doesn't fault the person to blame..... The coach. If the team had organization, or showed some structure, then I wouldn't worry. Check out Arenas team when they had their mini losing streak. They lost, but each time they did, they lost implementing their plan. They always retained organization regardless what the scoreboard said. If a starter couldn't start, the person comming in knew exactly what his role was. Always the same structure and plan.
People say that compared to last year, we look disorganized on the pitch, like lots of players don't realize what they should be doing, and I agree. People say it's the coach's job to make sure everyone knows what to do, and I agree. People rub those two things together and point a finger at the coach, and I only partially agree. While it's true that it's the coach's responsibility to make sure everyone's on the same page, we're playing the same players, in the same formation, using essentially the same system, as last year -- and yet last year, even when we were doing poorly near the end of the season, we didn't look completely out of sorts. Our players didn't look like they had no idea where to be on the field. Yes, it's the coach's job to make sure the team is straight here -- but there hasn't been any significant change in system from last year. Did they all forget during the offseason? I am as confused as my team.
The dude lacks motivation. It's been reported that SOEHN is laid back. I think his ass finally woke up, but none the less, the team is still not structured. I see two problems 1) No on field structure. 2) Lack of motivation and leadership. The players are fine.