The Story So Far

It's 2007, and the end of 2006 for DC United was pretty much a genre TV series ending in a cliffhanger. Let's do a clip show, and try and answer a few questions, before we begin the 2007 coverage, which involves a game in less than a couple of months:

Previously on DC United...

Freddy Adu and Nick Rimando were dispatched to Salt Lake. Jay Nolly may arrive in DC but first is taking a detour through Scotland. The suitcase full of money that Salt Lake sent arrived seperately. Brandon Prideaux was traded for draft picks which may or may not have much value. Alecko Eskandarian was traded to FC Toronto for a different suitcase of money. Piotr Nowak said goodbye, and Kevin Payne said "hello Mr. Soehn." Brian Carroll looks to Europe for his fortune, and we're still wondering what happens.

Open Questions

In order of importance:

1. What acquisitions are planned? As many commenters have noted, the "Goodbye" column over in the sidebar is much longer than the "Hello" column. Indications from DCU were that signings would be announced in early 2007, which would mean this month (although the international transfer window closes on 1 February, we may have a situation involving work permits which could delay an announcement to mid or late February. We've seen that before). This questions is important, since answers to it could also answer the next question...
2. Are DC Fans Still With the Front Office? To be sure, one needs to treat the supporters and the casual fans differently. That being said, the moves made so far are probably unnerving to both groups. The Freddy and Nick deal was pretty much hailed by the supporters, but probably was worrying to the casual fan. Brandon Prideaux's trade was greeted with mild disappointment from the supporters but a feeling that perhaps his price was too high. The Alecko trade following Nowak's resignation was a double punch that caused, I think, a few people to wonder about what's going on. I think the fans are worried, and would like some reassurance in the form of player acquisitions. Until that happens, expect for an unsettled feeling amid the supporter's sections.
3. Who else is leaving? There are three players currently that we know of who have been auditioning overseas: midfielder Brian Carroll, keeper Jay Nolly, and defender David Stokes. Until we hear otherwise, any of these players may not be coming back, although if I had to bet, I'd put money on all three returning to MLS (the biggest question being Carroll right now.)
4. Ownership deal? Will we hear anything on this in the next month or two? This is a question that I think may be of more significance than the placement here would indicate, and I might address that in a later post.
5. What did D do over the Winter Break? Reports of racking up 60 Gold Bricks in Lego Star Wars II can neither be confirmed nor denied.

Okay, so we're back for 2007, and ready to continue coverage. It has the potential to be an exciting time, but will this be Buffy Season Five, or Buffy Season Seven? Could I geek out in my writing even more? Find out on the next episode of "DC United!"