Football Season Review

After a solid season-long performance which saw them finish in fourth position in the Eastern Conference table, DC United would fall at the first hurdle in the playoffs, losing out to the Montreal Impact, in what was a poor performance. Ben Olsen’s men showed fantastic form towards the latter end of the season, losing just 2 games out of their final 14, scoring 34 goals in the process. After a slow start to the season, which saw them win just 5 of their first 20 fixtures, a number of summer signings would help to spark United’s season, with the likes of Lloyd Sam, Patrick Mullins and Kenny Igboananike all brought in. Lamar Neagle would end the year as top scorer for the black and red, with the former Seattle Sounders man netting a total of 9 goals. United would also post the third best defensive record in the Eastern Conference, with the central paring of both Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell proving to be consistent performers. With Birnbaum scooping up the team’s player of the season award and, with rumours of him potentially departing in January, United will have a big hole to fill at the centre of their defence, should the United States international depart. With stars such as Alvaro Saborio having already left the club, Ben Olsen now has a rebuilding job to do with some areas of the squad. The acquisition of Costa Rican forward, Jose Guillermo Ortiz, on a year-long loan, is however a good start, with the black and red looking to put in yet another competitive season. While DC may have performed well towards the end of the campaign, their lack of consistency in terms of both performance and tactics would go on to hurt them. Ben Olsen often found it difficult to select an established starting 11 throughout the year, with his constant alterations in both formation and personnel certainly having a negative impact on the team. With the planned development of a potential new stadium for United apparently close to being approved, things do however certainly appear to be looking good for the club’s future.

Player of the Season: Steve Birnbaum