Rebuilt.

It was a decently warm game when D.C. United opened the home season in 2006 against the New York Red Bulls. Despite the previous years ignominious defeat to Chicago, the mood was somewhat optimistic. Several prognosticators picked United to finish first in the East for the upcoming year. With Christian Gomez serving a red card suspension, and Nick Rimando injured from preseason, the line-up was perhaps not the entire first string. Onto the field came Troy Perkins, Brandon Prideaux, Facundo Erpen, John Wilson, Joshua Gros, Brian Carroll, Ben Olsen, Clyde Simms, Freddy Adu, Lucio Filomeno and , Jaime Moreno. The team would fall behind early, but the insertion of Alecko Eskandarian in the second half rallied the team, which drew 2-2. That team would go on to the Supporter's Shield in 2006, with Troy Perkins displacing Rimando as United's #1 keeper, and Christian Gomez returning to an MVP Award.

It is now 2008, and from that original line-up, only Ben Olsen, Clyde Simms, and Jaime Moreno remain. Substitutes Eskandarian and Quaranta are gone. Gomez is now gone, despite his suspension. Rimando is gone. Of the 16 players mentioned, only three remain, and only Brian Namoff can really be said to have been part of that club as well and still be part of the team. That's three-quarters of lineup that has changed in two years.

Last year I wrote frequently that it was a rebuilding year, and while the results may not have reflected that idea (another successful Supporter's Shield Campaign), you can not deny that since 2006, this team has been rebuilt. Entirely. New head coach, new players, and now a new designated player. The implications of this should not be lost, and BDR has voiced a point that I agree with: "Nothing that happens this upcoming season can be blamed on a nowakian hangover."

He's right, and let's state it in another way -- 2008 is a statement year for Soehn, Kasper, and Payne. This is a team, more than any other since roughly early in this decade, where they have made a significant moved to put the team they want on the field. They have made choices, in what to acquire, and in what not to acquire. They have put their vision, the vision they believe in, on the field.

Let us take Kevin Payne at his word (pretty easy to do, since he's not really given us much of a reason to ever doubt him): The mission of D.C. United is to serve the community and win championships. United has let their most visible humanitarian go to Houston. United has let the 2006 MLS MVP leave for a designated player. We are being told, in other words, that this team is more likely than that team to fulfill those two goals. Oscar may have a point about marketing to Argentinian population, but that's not the mission of D.C. United as stated. The two foremost principles are silverware and community involvement. And this, we are told, is the best team to embody those principles.

While it is easy to focus on players in a game, this is a year that demands that we truly examine our coaching and front office. Players will win or lose games, but the front office and management will win or lose this season. They, more than any other parties, are responsible for the 2008 campaign. They had done right by us in the past, but the price of professional sports is inevitably "what have you done for me lately." The departure of Boswell, of Gomez, of Perkins... these all signify that while I give the roster moves of the past great credit, they do not matter for this season. This season is about the choices we have seen being made. If they do not work out, the chances of hot-headed, impulsive fans like me yelling for a change at the top of the power structure are much likelier then if United had stood-pat or had greater continuity.

Of course, the reverse applies as well. If United is successful this season, then the Front Office and Tom Soehn will have earned themselves a lot of slack for the next several seasons. They will have made the choices they needed to make. Risk, in the markets, defines uncertainty, and riskier investments have a greater chance of crashing and burning, but also a greater chance of truly spectacular yields. D.C. United is now the most exotic South American tech stock in MLS. And I am invested in it. Fully. Utterly.

Some People Never Learn, Others Don't Realize They Are Learning

Freddy, I try and be nice to you, and then you go say something like this:

"Speed is my game and DC United's attack wasn't suited to my strengths," he [Adu] says. "I was playing out of position and I had to change my game around so much. Now, I'm so much more relaxed. My coaches and teammates are awesome. My confidence level is as high as it's ever been."

Well, I'm glad that more relaxed and confident as the Real Salt Lake #10.

Oh, wait, you're not the #10? Who is? Mehdi wha-now?

That's right, Jason Kreis has you playing the same position for RSL as you were playing with DCU last season: On the left, on the wing. The difference is, of course, that Jason Kreis is asking you to do it, and not Piotr Nowak, who you never really trusted. That's okay, I understand that. Piotr was a prickly and problematic coach for more than just one player, so the fact that you accept the same advice from a new coach and not an older one doesn't surprise me. Just... if you really thought about it, you might realize that Piotr and Jason were both right. That people you dislike can occasionally still see the truth of things. Of course, that's a profound insight, one that many of us don't accept even later in life. But if you were to accept that... well, it would say a lot.

And we're off...

The big news is the start of pre-season training. Yes, you can read all about it in the Times, Post, or Examiner, but really, the place to go for some great coverage is the SE Podcast. Why? Because you can here this quote in its original form. (Quoted from the Examiner):

Although it will be a long season, Olsen figures it will be easier to handle under Soehn, whose coaching style is less intense than Nowak's.

"It's not too much. Fortunately, Tommy's in charge now. With Peter, it'd be way too much," Olsen said. "Tommy will do a good job with managing us throughout the season."

The tone of voice leads me to believe that this is something around the office we like to call "Ha-ha, Only Serious." Yeah.

I, of course, am a bit out of it right now, going through one of those heavy In Real Life times, but I'll try and keep on top of things as best I can. Hopefully it will all subside in a bit and I can get back to covering this team the way it should be. And noting the implications of things like Luis Robles going to Germany instead of to MLS. Unfortunately, I really don't have the time to focus in on those things, but when the time comes, oh yes, when it comes...

The Gift of the Magi, by T. Henry

Five-hundred and fifty thousand dollars. That was all. And thirty grand of it was in unmarked hundreds. Money saved game after game, play after play. Freddy had Richard Motzkin count it at least three times. Soon it would be Christmas.

There was nothing for it but to scream, which Freddy did. He stood at his window and watched as the rain soaked the streets of DC. A battered BMW rested in the driveway. Soon it would be Christmas, but all the money in the world wouldn't be enough to find the right present. Many-an-hour he had spent visualizing the perfect gift for Peter in his head. Goals of staggering beauy when he would take the ball on one touch, maneuver around Jay Heaps and slide the ball neatly by Matt Reis beyond the far post. A goal worthy of his coach. But the season had not rewarded him -- the cool, imperious woodwork had denied him too often.

He called his agent Richard. "Will Salt Lake buy my contract?"

Motzkin's tone expressed the neat calculations he could perform in his head. "I can make Ellinger buy anything."

"Do it quick." The next hours dragged on like Clint Mathis trying to take someone on the dribble. He made his way to RFK, the faxed contract in his hand. Peter might laugh at him. "Why do you want to go to that hospital?" he might say. But Freddy felt it was the only way, and he sat in the conference room outside Kevin Payne's office.

Peter stepped inside the door, as immovable as Tony Meola at the near post. His eyes were fixed upon the faxed contract, and there was an expression in them that Freddy could not read, and it terrified him. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor disapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that he had been prepared for. He simply stared at him fixedly with that peculiar expression on his face.

"Peter," Freddy said, "Don't look at me that way. I arranged a trade to Salt Lake for you for Christmas. I know I've been a pain, and a source of frustration. It was the only thing I could think of for you. Now you don't have to worry about me being a distraction anymore."

Peter stared at the contract, his stupor slowing lifting. He pulled out a cigarette, struck a match off his chin, and took a deep drag. "Freddy," he sighed, "it has been a long three years. But I felt that somehow I was to blame. Perhaps I was too hard on you, or standing in your way, or something. I just told Kevin that I'm resigning from DC, and I'll be going to work for Bob Bradley with the US Men's Team." He smiled. "Put your contract away, it will be long after Christmas before we know how either of us did with our presents."

The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi. But even such as they are clueless about what to do with that franchise in New Jersey.

Meet the New Boss, Tom Soehn, And Let's Get The Jokes Out Quickly

The Times and The Post both have updates on the Piotr Nowak / Tom Soehn transition at the head coaching spot. John Haydon's Times article describes nicely some of the history between Nowak and Bradley that could have led to the USMNT opening. The Post notes that Bradley is, no matter what, getting the 2008 Olympic Team and taking Nowak with him. As for Nowak's choice to leave (and we'll talk maybe more about Nowak later), I agree with BDR's comment yesterday: "Nowak's decision is both good business for him and honorable to DCU. "

So, let's talk about Mr. Soehn before his press conference at 11am. What is he like? Well, if you caught a reserve game in the last few years, we have a few hints. He's not afraid of the four man backline, so that could be an option (once we staff up). He'll talk to players during the game, and even chew them out on occasion. Mr. Soehn, as a defender in MLS with Chicago and Dallas, saw limited action. Typically he was good for about 1,000 minutes a season. The interesting thing to look at are the disciplinary stats: It tells the story of a defender who knew when to foul but not get a card. In his five years, he only had 14 shots, of which 6 were on goal, and two of those found the back of the net. Can we infer anything from that? Probably not, but it does suggest someone who is aware of their defensive responsibilities, and would use the defenders in an attacking mode in a fairly conservative way -- more to put pressure on the offense than to take their own shot. Of course, Mr. Soehn may not have had the accuracy of Facundo Erpen, so keep that in mind.

As a special service, the DCenters offers the following headlines for the 2007 season, and we hope that if these are the headlines, that they appear in this order:

May 2007
TOMMY, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
United plagued by poor communication in season start.

June 2007
DOUBTING THOMAS
DC United has not rebounded from losing Nowak.

July 2007
TOM-TOM, HOW DO WE GET TO THE PLAYOFFS?
United showing signs of life, but is it too late?

August 2007
THE O-SOEHN LAYER
New attack plans ignite DC's strikers

September 2007
TOMMY'S GUNS!
Five players score in 6-1 win over Galaxy

October 2007
TOM'S SWIFTIES
Unbeaten streak extended to nine game

November 2007
SOEHN ALONE
One season as coach, one MLS Cup... But what now?

NOWAK LEAVING DC UNITED - TOM SOEHN TO COACH TEAM

Stunning. The Washington Post is reporting that tomorrow's press conference will be to announce Piotr Nowak is leaving DC United to become a USMNT assistant coach for Bob Bradley, and Tom Soehn will be getting the keys to the car. This jives with what we were getting little bits of information on earlier.

Expect everyone to weigh in on this one. But in the meantime: Good luck Piotr, The DCenters respects your tenure here. Perhaps the finest thing we can say when someone leaves is "He was a good coach." You certainly were.

And welcome Mr. Soehn. Good luck to you as well. You've had the training and experience, and I'm interested to see what you can do with the team. It's nice to keep it in-house. Given a choice of pretty much anyone out there as a candidate for a head coaching vacancy, you are the one I feel the most comfortable with. Be your own man, and I'm sure things will work out. If it had to happen, I'm glad it is you that we're looking at.

Pre-Holiday Rush

Things to think about before Christmas Day:

THE BIGGEST SOCCER SPECIFIC STADIUM IN THE COUNTRY: At least, that's what you might call RFK after the Nats leave it for their own place. With MLS Cup returning to the Stadium/Armory station, I'm going to make sure I get my tickets. The Post and Times have stories. A few practical implications? Expect a somewhat prolonged (3-4 weeks) road trip at the end of the season once the Nats' season ends, allowing time to resod the field and remove the diamond. Naturally, that could have an interesting effect on the end of the season.

IS NOWAK BACK?: From the Post article above: "'Peter knows that we want him back,' Payne said. "We've had some conversations, we'll probably have another one this week, and hopefully we'll come to a resolution quickly."

WHO'S THE NEW STRIKER? From the Times: "Payne said D.C. United could announce a major player acquisition as early as next week. When asked if the new player was from Argentina, Payne said 'You can assume they are not coming from Europe.'"

DISCOVERY UNITED? One last tidbit from the Post: "Garber said the sale of United's operating rights by Anschutz Entertainment Group 'is nearly complete. [The potential buyers are] a very solid group of committed investors who believe in this sport.'" If the deal happens, here are a few things to consider other than the final price and getting Kevin Payne retained: Does the deal include language on Poplar Point? Does the deal include advertising rights for DC United's kits? When will the deal be effective? What are the new owner's stated intentions regarding Designated Player acquisitions?

YOU'RE SUCH A NOLLY BHOY: DC's one offseason acquisition is in Scotland on trial with Celtic. While the article doesn't mention timeframes, you can go ahead and assume it ends the week before Christmas. Key quote:

Nolly, who played for Real Salt Lake before being traded to DC United as part of the deal for Freddy Adu - hopes he can persuade Celtic to offer him a contract.

Nolly said: "I've been here for a few days now. DC United own my rights if I return to the US, but I'm actually a free agent.

"They've traded Freddy Adu to Salt Lake for me. But the option is not signed yet. So there is a contractual window here for me to try to make it in Europe."

Interesting. We wish Nolly the best, but he seems like a good fit as a #2 at United, so part of me hopes it doesn't pan out for him.

Who says the off-season is slow?

Intrigue

Two stories in the Post this morning that are worth your time, especially since there's some interesting details. Steve Goff on Christian Gomez, Brian Carroll, David Stokes, Mattias Donnet, and (maybe) Piotr Nowak. Thomas Heath on those that would buy DC United, and their NBA problems (which Quarter Volley was discussing yesterday...)

I don't have time to analyze it right now, but it will get analyzed as there are some tasty details to be examined.

Soehn Leading Candidate for Toronto FC Position

Steven Goff reported that DC United assistant Tom Soehn is one of the candidates for the head coach position for Toronto FC. It was mentioned at the end of the Real Madrid wrap-up that DCenters linked to in the debriefing but I figured that it merited its own post.

Tom Soehn, Nowak's top assistant for three seasons, has emerged as one of the leading candidates to coach Toronto FC, an MLS expansion team that will begin play next year, sources around the league who are familiar with the search said.

This is one of those things that is good for the guy but bad for the club. Frankly, I know that we can't hold on to both Nowak and Soehn for very long if we continue our success on the field. But I am really hoping that at the very least we get through this year with both of them coming back to United. One thing that United had going for it early in the year was stability and I hope we can keep that stability going into the stretch run and playoffs.