Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery (and an Easy Way to Start a Rivalry)

There have been some former DC United names and faces in the news the last couple of weeks.  First, former DC United coach Peter Nowak abruptly left his job as Bob Bradley’s US National Team’s Assistant Coach to take the helm of the Philadelphia Union.  It’s likely a good move for both Nowak and Philadelphia.   Peter took the job with US Soccer (which he left United for), due to wanting to be close to his family in Florida.  But with the National Team window closing, it’s natural that Nowak look to another MLS job.  If he waits he could get a job with an existing team, but it seems like he doesn’t want to be terribly way from Florida. 

That means East Coast squads.  Peter’s a smart guy….so there’s no way in Hell that he’d go to New York, the Eastern Conference team that changes coaches the most.  And Phildelphia is the only announced expansion team east of the Mississippi.  It also means that he won’t need to jettison any dead weight on the roster.

But it’s doubtful that it’ll end there as Philadelphia assembles in preparation for 2010.  Steve Goff mentioned that former United player (and Pennsylvania native) Josh Gros could be moving up I-95, too.  That’s not surprising as Josh had previously helped Nowak with the U-23/Olympic Team.   It also won’t be surprising if Nowak get’s some former players to help solidify his particular style to the Union lineup.  Figure that players like Dema Kovalenko, Bobby Boswell, Brian Carroll and others that may be available either in the expansion draft or via trade would be tempting.

The Brandon Prideaux Farewell Tour

Another name that just popped up is Brandon Prideaux.  The Chicago defender announced that he’ll retire after the completion of the 2009 season.  A player that was one of the bright spots in the ‘dark ages’ of the early part of this decade.  United traded Stephen Armstrong for Prideaux, and is one of the best returns on a trade that the team has had.  He always played smart and hard…..and he consistantly got under Cobi Jones’ skin (and how can that be a bad thing?). Brandon holds the record for most games in MLS without a goal, including a breakaway opportunity where he was in all alone on the goaltender from midfield, he deftly put the ball through the goalkeeper…and agonizingly wide of the goal.  He was probably disappointed not to get to play for his hometown Seattle Sounders, but he’s got the stuff to be a decent assistant coach (hmmm. Philadelphia?).  If he scores or not this year (and hopefully not against United….well, OK maybe if we’re up 8-0) or not, he’s a class act.

Though, this may be a stunt by the league to re-coup ticket sales lost due to not having Beckham.  C’mon…..it’s your last chance to see Brandon Prideaux.