Only 17 first-team players trained at RFK Stadium Auxiliary fields during a wet and snowy week. Players, wrapped in long sleeves, scarves and hats, took to the turf field.
“I didn’t count them up,” coach Ben Olsen said looking around at the practicing squad.
Many Major League Soccer teams do not partake in the international break, leaving them depleted after countries announced their rosters for the two-week break. Five United players were called up to their respective national teams.
“There are a lot of call-ups with this group. That’s good. We want to see guys playing in these international games,” Olsen said. “The other side of that is an opportunity for other guys to get in there and help the group.”
Adding injury to an already scarce squad, three players remain out due to injuries. Defender Taylor Kemp (groin) and midfielder Russell Canouse (knee) have yet to play minutes this season.
Midfielder Júnior Moreno picked up a knock to his hamstring against Houston Dynamo last week. He will take a few days to recover, according to Olsen.
“On top of the call-ups, now we have an injury,” Olsen said. “Again, it is opportunity. Opportunity for others to step and show what they are about.”
Eighteen-year-old homegrown, Chris Durkin, replaced Moreno in the game against Houston. Durkin has now played 47 minutes across United’s first three games, improving with each appearance.
“In every aspect of the game, he has grown,” Olsen said. “Every time he steps on the field he shows that he is a little more comfortable.”
With the missing midfielders, Durkin could get his first MLS start Saturday.
D.C. United travels to Columbus for a matchup with the Crew
Where: MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
When: Saturday, March 24 at 6 pm ET
Watch: NewsChannel8, MLS LIVE
Predicted Starting XI: David Ousted; Joseph Mora, Steven Birnbaum, Frédéric Brillant, Nick DeLeon; Chris Durkin; Yamil Asad, Ian Harkes, Paul Arriola, Luciano Acosta; Darren Mattocks
Short-handed United
D.C. United’s starting XI almost picks itself this weekend. United midfielder Zoltán Stieber has started every game this season, but will be out Saturday as he is representing the Hungarian national team.
Midfielder Moreno and Ulises Segura’s absence makes way for a defensive midfielder to step up for his first start of the season.
While Durkin has played every week, Olsen did not rule out the possibility of playing with Jared Jeffrey and Ian Harkes in the midfield.
“We have other options,” Olsen said. “[Harkes] has looked very sharp over the last week or two and wants sometime as well.”
The Crew will be without captain Wil Trapp and starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Both players are in North Carolina representing the US men’s national team.
Durkin Excitement
Last summer Chris Durkin was with the US U17 men’s national team in India. This year during the international break, he is competing for a starting position at defensive mid.
Black-and-Red faithful and commentators buzzed with excitement at the possibility of Durkin starting.
Chris Durkin dropping dimes. Kid's better than Junior Moreno & should be starting for DC. #DCvHOU pic.twitter.com/U6NhS5BqdK
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) March 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/DontTreadSoccer/status/975413368931717121
https://twitter.com/phcleveland3/status/976176711862800384
Beasley not happy with SoccerPlex venue
After Houston’s 2-2 draw with United at Maryland SoccerPlex, defender DaMarcus Beasley took to twitter to express his displeasure for the facility’s condition.
Just when I thought @MLS was getting better in every aspect, todays “conditions” were unacceptable!! From the locker room to the “training” room(which was jus an area blocked by curtains next to the vending machines) kids volleyball goin on, it was a circus. #unacceptable
— DaMarcus Beasley (@DaMarcusBeasley) March 17, 2018
Olsen played along Beasley on the US men’s national team, including the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup US victory. Olsen spoke highly of his former teammate.
“DeMarcus is one of my favorite guys that I’ve ever played with,” Olsen said. “I think it was a little out of character for Beasley, but it’s ok.”
United chose Maryland SoccerPlex as one of the two home-away-from-home games after MLS denied the team’s request to play the first half of the season entirely on the road in preparation for the opening of Audi Field on July 14.
“Was it an ideal environment for a pro MLS game? Am I going to stick up for that? No,” Olsen said. ‘It not an ideal season, but it is what it is. Germantown has been great to us. The field, ultimately, is a huge part. It wasn’t ideal, but we could all use a dose of going back and getting out of our box.”