17 Days and Counting

The 2009 is quickly approaching.  Tommy Soehn, and Dave Kaspar are putting the final touches on the roster (as evidenced by their comments at the Kickoff Sindig).  In the last Nestliner we looked at the keeper situation, this week…..the defense.

Maligned

Last season brought in the non-brother Golanzo brothers (gee, thanks Christian Miles).  We saw Devon McTavish move all over the field only to wind up back in the middle of the defense, Marc Burch put in the middle of the defense, rookies in the defense.  Can we just say it was pretty much a mess? 

Even the defender with a long history in DC, Bryan Namoff had an off year.  You can chalk this up to injuries, personalities, turnover, etc.  But it affected the shaky goalkeeping, it’s hard to really pinpoint United’s troubles to either the goalkeeping or the defense, but both need to be addressed as a complete unit, and without a doubt it’s a priority to fix for 2009.

What’s the Plan?

2009 brings a ‘less is more’ type of attitude.  The non-Golanzo brothers are gone.  Namoff, McTavish, Burch are back from last year’s Starting XI.  Late season acquisition, Janicki is back.  The team selected Rodney Wallace in the draft,  signed center back Anthony Peters, another late season acquisition is Ryan Miller adds depth, and the team brought in Canadian Dejan Jakovic.  This corps of defenders is young…..to say the least.  Namoff is obviously the ‘old guy’ who’ll be turning 30 this season, but the next oldest are Burch and McTavish who’ll be turning 25.  The new center backs are also big: McTavish is the little guy at 6 feet, Peters is the big guy at 6 ft 5 in….and 205 lbs.

Size and speed aren’t everything (though it certainly helps), but the keys are going to come back to how these guys play as a unit?  And how well does a young defense cope?

Jakovic hasn’t arrived yet, so Tommy Soehn’s got his work cut out in terms of the middle of the defense.  Go with some experience with McTavish?  Even though it’s not really his ‘natural’ position, Devon is one of the brighter players in the league and can capably play anywhere on the field….not as a world beater, mind you, but capable.  Did Janicki prove his worth last year, or in camp so far?  What about Peters?  If he’s smart enough it’s hard to not have a large body like that on the field, both in terms of defense and in terms of a target on corners and other set pieces. ( Chances are that Christian Gomez drools over this).  And the is Jakovic worth the (unknown) price that United paid?  Four guys two spots.

Left back is also a question.  Burch has faults.  But he has upside.  And he has edge and character.  Something the team has been letting evaporate ins 2004.  Nobody’s filled the void left by the departures of Ryan Nelsen, Earnie Stewart, Brandon Prideaux, and Mike Petke.  Burch has obviously tried to step into that role, he’s resembled Petke at times (unfortunately, including chasing attackers with the ball for 30 yards because he blew a play by being too aggressive).  Blanco-gate was a indicator of this when he came to Clyde Sims aide.  He wears his heart on his sleeve and he plays hard for the badge.  It’s hard to take him off the field.  Unless Rodney Wallace impresses, forcing a choice from the coaching staff.  Coach Soehn indicated that Rodney was pushing pretty hard and fast in pre-season so far (once again at the Kickoff Shindig).  It’s nice to have options.

Right back is, well, it’s Namoff.  Who’s cover for Namoff for injuries or suspensions?  Probably McTavish.  Maybe Miller.  But you can ink in Namoff on your lineup cards for the entire season.

Only time will tell if these guys are the answer, but it’s hard not to like the upside.