D.C. United | Latest All

Olsen’s plans for international call-ups

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:15:00 -0500

As the Black-and-Red work towards the start of their 17th MLS season, United's technical staff is already thinking about the challenges that lie ahead, beginning with national team duty. With such an internationally rich squad, United is expected to miss several of its starting players, as they are called-upon to represent their countries in Olympic and World Cup qualifying matches this year.

Najar ready to take another step forward in year three

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:27:40 -0500

Last year, Andy Najar’s second season in MLS got off to a slow start.

After entering D.C. United’s preseason camp a bit out of shape, Najar’s lack of fitness cost him a starting spot at the beginning of the year – although he ultimately proved himself and won back a place in head coach Ben Olsen’s starting lineup.

This offseason, with the 18-year-old looking to making another big impression, neither he nor the D.C. coaching staff was going to let that happen again.

Second leg of preseason brings DeLeon close to home

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:39:49 -0500

WASHINGTON – D.C. United’s second trip of their 2012 preseason brought one rookie close to home.

Nick DeLeon, D.C.’s first-round SuperDraft pick this year, grew up near Phoenix, and he’ll get the chance for an early homecoming when United set up camp this week in nearby Scottsdale.

“I think we’re staying about 10 minutes from my house,” DeLeon (above right) said. “The practice field, same thing, about 10 minutes from my house.”

United in Arizona: Day 1

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:47:57 -0500

After a brief stay in DC following a 10-day Florida preseason camp, D.C. United arrived Monday evening in Phoenix, Ariz. to kick-off the second stage of preseason. While in Arizona, the Black-and-Red will play two scrimmages against Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.

D.C. United will face Sporting KC on Saturday, February 11 at Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Ariz. Kick off is set for 12:00 p.m. MST.

Allocation money acquired from Portland Timbers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0500

D.C. United announced today the club has acquired allocation money from the Portland Timbers in exchange for an international roster spot. The international roster spot will return to United following the 2013 MLS season.

D.C. United’s 17th MLS season begins on Saturday, March 10 when the Black-and Red host Sporting Kansas City. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Ticket packages may be purchased at dcunited.com.

Marcelo Saragosa acquired

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:39:09 -0500

D.C. United announced today the club has signed midfielder Marcelo Saragosa. The 30-year old Brazilian has played 116 career games in MLS. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to have concluded a deal to bring Marcelo to DC,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is well-acquainted with our League and brings additional depth to a midfield that we feel is already one of the best in the League. We look forward to his contributions to our team.”

Ben Olsen Q&A

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0500

The first stage of preseason is officially over. After eleven days of training, gym sessions, treatments and two scrimmages in Florida, United’s Head Coach has a much better sense of how his team is shaping up. As the team gets ready to depart for Arizona on Monday, Ben Olsen spoke about the team’s development, the depth of his squad and what needs to be done before the season kicks-off on March 10.

What are your overall thoughts on the first preseason trip?

Blake Brettschneider waived

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:50:41 -0500

D.C. United announced today that the club has waived forward Blake Brettschneider. The 22-year-old departs United after completing his rookie season with the team last year.

“We’d like to thank Blake for his contributions to our club,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He was very well-liked and a good professional and we wish him the best in the future.”

Kitchen has lofty goals for sophomore campaign at DC

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:36:04 -0500

WASHINGTON – After a solid debut season in the pro ranks, D.C. United midfielder Perry Kitchen plans on building off his impressive rookie campaign.

But before jumping into preseason with both feet, Kitchen had to come back slowly, as he was nursing a toe injury suffered during the offseason at the start of training camp.

“I’m totally fine, thankfully,” he told reporters on Friday. “It was definitely painful, I felt it for a few weeks. I’m way past the period of the recovery, so I’m 100 percent ready to go.”

Super Bowl predictions

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:05:08 -0500

With Sunday's big game just around the corner, we collected predictions from United players about Sunday's Big Game. The team is enjoying an off weekend, so players were making plans and getting prepared to take in Sunday's Patriots-Giants match-up. Throw your prediction in the comments and see how you stack up against the Black-and-Red.

Each player provided their score prediction and what they thought was going to be the difference-maker in the game.

Trialists update

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:49:06 -0500

Branko Boskovic Q&A

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:59:54 -0500

What were your thoughts when you heard the team had sign Hamdi?

I was very excited because he's my friend, we played together and now he's coming here, so I'm very happy for him – he's a good guy. He proved himself in the Austrian league, scoring many goals each year. He can help us a lot.

Were you at all involved in his signing? Did you speak to Dave Kasper or Ben Olsen about him?

Preseason match 2: United vs Malmo FF

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:28 -0500

D.C. United faced Swedish team Malmo FF at IMG Academy in Bradenton this morning, in a match that saw the sides play to a 1-1 draw. After ten days of training in Florida, the scrimmage marked the end of the first stage of preseason for United, who will remain in D.C. for three days before departing to Arizona on Monday.

Dave Kasper Q&A

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:25:30 -0500

When did you become aware of Hamdi Salihi?

Salihi has been on our radar since the time we started scouting Branko [Boskovic], they were playing together at Rapid Vienna and he caught our eye. He’s an exciting striker who knows how to score goals. We are thrilled that we reached an agreement with him because we were competing against other European teams in the transfer window. We are excited that this day has come.

Did Branko Boskovic help with recruiting?

Forward Hamdi Salihi acquired as Designated Player

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:02:00 -0500

D.C. United announced today the club has signed 28-year old forward Hamdi Salihi as a Designated Player. The Albanian international has scored 163 goals in 289 professional matches (all competitions), 53% of the matches in which he has played. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Salihi will be officially added to the roster following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate, P-1 Visa, and full medical clearance.