DC United Season Finishes On a Down Note

- By Joseph Schoenbauer Wed, November 5, 2008


Despite adding another trophy to their already impressive trophy cabinet in the form of the US Open Cup triumph, DC United’s 2008 season will likely be remembered for what could have been.

DC United began the season as MLS Cup favorites in many a pundit’s eye following the acquisition of several highly touted and experienced South American players, including designated player and former Argentinean international Marcelo Gallardo.

However, like Gallardo, DC United had an injury riddled season and never lived up to expectations. They crashed out of the competitions CONCACAF Champions Cup, SuperLiga and the CONCACAF Champions League as swiftly as they entered them and in the end failed to even make the MLS playoffs after going down 1-0 in Columbus on the final day of the season when a win would have been enough to leapfrog their rivals from New York.

Many questions surround the team heading into a long off season with a tight salary cap and an expansion draft looming. However, one thing is certain and that is Tommy Soehn has been confirmed as head coach for the 2009 season. In a time where coaches are often removed quickly after poor stretches of results and disappointing seasons, it will be interesting to see if and how Soehn can right the ship and bounce back next season. It appears they are set to continue with Gonzalo Peralta and Marcelo Gallardo, though other recent player acquisitions such as Gonzalo Martinez are more likely to follow Franco Niell out the door.

Other questions surrounding the team include Ben Olsen’s fitness issues, as well as the productivity and level of play from others such as Fred, Emilio and McTavish who were all being looked at as consistent and solid contributors to the team before their below par 2008 seasons.