We've spent most of the week on DC United, and now it's your turn. What do you think has caused DC's current problems and can they regroup from last place in the East?
Our takes:
Again In DC: It is highly unlikely DC will be able to personnel its way out of
trouble, and that includes coaching. Tom Soehn's job should be safe
because there's nobody out there better equipped to take it. Brining
in someone with no MLS experience basically writes off the rest of the
season, and DC can do that with Soehn. The list of former coaches
capable of working within the DC system is short, and that shouldn't
include any triumphal return scenarios.
Bunker DC: DC United currently lacks the basic soccer intelligence to defend a
play rather than the ball. Long-term fans might remember when this was
the hallmark of MLS soccer. Panic chase all over the field, while a
team like Chicago lets the meaningless balls go while setting up for
the next move. It's the kind of thing that might make the crowd yell,
but rarely results in quality chances.
The United Problem: Eddie Pope once told me that what made DC so good when they were at the height of their powers was that the side had so many players with international experience playing at the top of their game. Pope, Jeff Agoos, Carlos Llamosa, John Harkes, Tony Sanneh, Richie Williams, Jaime Moreno, Ben Olsen Raul Diaz Arce, Roy Lassiter, and Marco Etcheverry. They brought experienced players like Ben Iroha (1994 World Cup) and Roy Wegerle off the bench.
Over to you....
