WASHINGTON, DC (Apr 22, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- Apparently, the quick answer to DC United's issues is signing yet another forward. Francis Doe is now a member of the club, filling a senior international slot.
Expected banal quote? You betcha, from DC GM Dave Kasper: “We are excited about the prospects for Francis. He is a dynamic, young player who will compete for playing time on our front line."
Doe was on the Red Bulls roster until late February when they waived him. Since we're all up on Major League Soccer's waiver rules, we're aware that no other team in the League felt like shuffling the waiver precedent order to claim him during that initial 48 hour window. Two months later, and he signs with DC.
What this means for Luciano Emilio is a better question that one might have imagined when Doe hit the waiver wire on Feb 19th. Emilio has one goal in four games, but has been absent on the field throughout the early going of 2008 in MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Though still the stock answer for first choice in a 442 with Jaime Moreno, Santino Quaranta and now Doe will likely be in the conversation if Emilio can't actually put the ball in the back of the net.
Still, it's an odd use of a senior slot considering the equally pressing needs to stabilize a midfield hurting from Ben Olsen's absence and a defense/keeper combination relying more on luck than the kiund of quality usually associated with DC United.
