United's Busy Offseason Continues - IN: Quavas Kirk | OUT: Greg Vanney

According to Steven Goff at the Washington Post D.C. United has once again traded the rights of an out of contract player, this time veteran defender Greg Vanney, to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Vanney returns to the club with which he spent the first six seasons of his career. In return, United has obtained 19 year old midfielder, Quavas Kirk.

"United acquired Vanney last summer from Colorado for defender Facundo Erpen, and although he brought leadership and stability to the back line, he was not able to solve the club's late-season defensive issues.

Kirk skipped college to sign with MLS in 2005, and after being unavailable much of his rookie season with injuries and U.S. under-17 national team commitments, he started 10 regular season games and played in 22 matches in 2006. Last year he had five starts and 11 appearances. An injury prevented him from playing in the Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

Kirk, who is 6 feet 1 and fast but with unrefined skills, has played several positions during his youth and MLS careers, but his best role seems to be on the right side of midfield. United lacked depth on the flanks last year and is in need of reinforcement, particularly following Ben Olsen's offseason surgery on both ankles." - Goff, Washington Post

No big surprises here as we expected Vanney to be let go. It became clear United had no intention of re-signing him for 08 after signing two South American defenders in their fleury of international player signings last month that were discussed in this post, on January 29th. However, we are a bit surprised we got more than a draft pick or financial compensation for his rights. It became very clear as the season wore on after the trade that brought him here, that Vanney was not the answer to United's backline woes we had hoped for. United has had problems on central defence since the departure of Ryan Nelsen after their MLS Cup winning 2004 season. It is also apparent that due to Kirk's inexperience, he still qualifies as a Generation Adidas player, and his salary will not count against United's salary cap. Kirk made $110,000 last season with the Galaxy. On the surface it appears this is a very good trade for United. We will reserve judgment on just how good it was, once we see how well Kirk fits in, and just what he can do.

Gomez To Rapids Final :: United Gets 2nd DP Slot.

So after attending both the Washington Capitals game this past Friday evening at Verizon Center, and a friend's birthday party that night afterwards, I got sick. I've been indoors, under blankets sweating it out, and FINALLY feel better today, thus why there has been no activity here for a few days.

The long awaited Christian Gomez deal was finalised Friday afternoon, and the pending trade between D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids that was to be executed upon Gomez and the Rapids agreeing to terms on a contract, has occurred. What does United get in return for Gomez' rights? Well MLS has decided to remain vague in announcing what was coming back in the Black and Red's direction, stating that United is to receive the Rapids 2009 1st round draft pick, which could end up being a fairly high pick, and future considerations. According to the Washington Post's Steven Goff, part of those "future considerations" is control of the Rapids Designated Player slot.

"The Post has learned that United has gained control of the Rapids' designated player slot, a year-old initiative that allows teams to sign a high-profile star outside the league's salary guidelines."

That said, it does appear unlikely at this point, that United will use the DP slot to go out and obtain another international star player. There are a couple of things that stick out in my mind as possible uses of the 2nd DP slot.


Firstly, it could be used to upgrade the contract of Luciano Emilio, who, while winning MLS' scoring title "MLS Golden Boot" last season with 20 goals, and also won the MLS League MVP Award for 2007, is only set to make about $300,000.00 this coming season. It is my understanding that Emilio is under contract through the 2008 season however, I believe United can upgrade his contract as they see fit. If Emilio continues his prolific scoring in the 2008 season, I would look for this to be the most likely use of United's 2nd DP slot. However, should United / Emilio receive a major offer from another club, most likely over seas, United could accept that offer, thus transferring Emilio out of MLS, and then use this 2nd DP slot to go after another high level, international star caliber player. Personally, I would like to see Emilio stay, and see United reward him with an upgraded contract.


One other scenario would be to use the 2nd DP slot on Juan Sebastian Veron, who, after 5 months of talks with D.C. United brass from July 07 to December 07, decided to stay with his current Argentine club, Estudiantes de La Plata. There is a possibility that Veron may still desire to come to United this summer, after his obligations to Estudiantes are over, and the summer transfer window is open. While that possibility does seem rather exciting, I still have reservations about Veron. Personally, the fact that Veron stretched out the talks with United over 5 months does not sit well with me. While he is a great player, winning numerous hounours over the past 13 seasons in both Argentina, and in Europe, if Emilio once again steps to the forefront of MLS top scorers, perhaps it would be best to use the DP slot on efforts to retain a proven commodity. However, as pointed out earlier if Emilio finds himself leaving MLS on a major offer to D.C. United for his services, this could become his replacement.

Or, United could just hold on to the DP slot until next off season, to see what cards it holds after the 2008 champions are determined, who has worked out, and who has not, and if they do in fact retain Luciano Emilio for the entire season. It will definately be something that bears watching over the course of the 2008 season. Any way you slice this one, United definately seems to have come out on the winning end of this trade.

MLS / D.C. United's 2008 Schedule Released - Christian Gomez To Rapids Deal Done?

MLS and its member clubs today released thier respective schedules for the upcoming 2008 season today. D.C. United's home schedule is slightly better than last year's. Our favorite home match days and start time has always been the Saturday, 7:30 PM matches. Those matches are almost always the best attended, usually breaking 21,000, and as high as 25,000. This season, United has 9 such matches. Last season United had only 7. So were happy to have 2 more of those this season. This year, David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy come to town on a Sunday, for a 12 noon match up on 29 June to be aired on ABC. One half of United's 30 league matches will be nationally televised this year.

Also of note for United for the 2008 MLS season schedule is the abscence of any league matches during the month of July. During that time the SuperLiga and U.S. Open cup competitions will take place. The 2008 MLS All Star match will take place at BMO Field in Toronto, home of Tornoto FC on 24 July, 2008. United will also compete in the CONCACAF Champion's League, which is set to begin its inaugural run this fall, and will replace the current CONCACAF Champions Cup. The dates for the matches in each of these 3 competition have not yet been set.

One final note regarding possible news on the Christian Gomez front, MLS and the Colorado Rapids have announced a press conference for 8 February @ 2PM EST to announce a "major player signing". Could this finally be the news of Gomez' signing, and pending trade for his rights with D.C. United we have long awaited? You can view the official press release here. Our good friend Steven Goff, is reporting on his Washington Post Soccer Insider blog, that the deal has been finalised, and a new contract with the Rapids signed, today. We'll post an update tomorrow after the official announcement is made.

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D.C. United 2008 Schedule

L = MLS League Match C = CONCACAF Champions Cup Match

Wed. March 12 at Harbour View (Jamaica) 7:00 p.m. - C
Tues. March 18 Harbour View (Jamica) 7:30 p.m. - C
Sat. March 29 at Kansas City 8:00 p.m. - L
Sat. April 5 Toronto FC 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. April 12 at Real Salt Lake 9:00 p.m. - L
Th. April 17 Columbus 8:00 p.m. espn2 L
Sat. April 26 Real Salt Lake 7:30 p.m. - L
Sun. May 4 at Colorado 3:00 p.m. - L
Th. May 8 Chicago 7:30 p.m. espn2 L
Sat. May 17 at Chivas USA 10:30 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Wed. May 21 at Toronto FC 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. May 24 Toronto FC 7:30 p.m. - L
Th. May 29 at New England 7:30 p.m. espn2 L
Wed. June 4 Houston 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. June 7 at Chicago 8:30 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Sat. June 14 New York 7:30 p.m. HDNet L
Sun. June 22 San Jose 3:00 p.m. TeleFutura L
Sun. June 29 Los Angeles 12:00 p.m. ABC L

July - SUPERLIGA & U.S. OPEN CUP – United has no league matches scheduled during this time.

Thursday, July 24 MLS All Star Game, BMO Field, Toronto, ON, Canada
Sat. August 2 Kansas City 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. August 9 at New York 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. August 16 at Chicago 8:30 p.m. - L
Wed. August 20 at New England 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. August 23 Colorado 7:30 p.m. - L
Sat. August 30 New York 7:30 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Sat. September 6 at San Jose 10:00 p.m. - L
Sat. September 13 FC Dallas 7:30 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Sat. September 20 at Los Angeles 11:00 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Sun. September 28 at FC Dallas 3:00 p.m. TeleFutura L
Sat. October 4 Chivas USA 7:30 p.m. FSC, FSE L
Sun. October 12 at Houston 7:00 p.m. - L
Th. October 16 New England 7:30 p.m. espn2 L
Sun. October 26 at Columbus 5:00 p.m. – L

Three Stripes - YOU'RE OUT!

Something I thought I would never see happen at D. C United, finally actually did. As if this offseason has not been trying, and disappointing enough for the ardent Black & Red supporters in D.C., theres now one more thing to pile on top of everything, and its not a very pretty site if you ask me. D.C. United has been stripped of its internationally recognised 3 stripes across the chest. Apparently, since DC is in the market for a front side jersey sponsor, ADIDAS basically told United, that it could not have the 3 stripes, and a jersey sponsor on the front at the same time. Kind of a bitch move by Adidas if you ask me. There is no reason why a front side jersey sponsor could not fit neatly BELOW the 3 stripes across the chest. Don't get me wrong, I fully understand why United chose to do without the 3 stripes, given the ultimatum they were handed by Adidas. It's either keep the 3 stripes, and have no front side shirt sponsor, and thus no additional income from such sponsor, or, nix the 3 stripes, grab a shirt sponsor, and rake in very large amounts of cash. I get it, its about the money, but I still do not like it, and still believe there is a way to have both on the front without one obstructing or taking away from the other, but thats just me.

Adidas has "allowed" DC the use of the 3 stripes across the chest as sort of DC's own "brand" if you will. However, the stripes never actually belonged to DC, and always have been a trademark of ADIDAS. United has become an internationally recognised football club throughout the world, and one of the single most distinctive things that made DC, well... DC, was the 3 stripes across the chest. DC was basically the only club in the world to use the 3 stripes across the chest, and that look became synonymous with "D.C. United". For 12 seasons, DC United has built a brand identity / recognition, and a large part of that was those distinctive 3 stripes across the chest. Personally, I highly dislike the plain 2008 jersey's, and I am not happy that the 3 stripes are now out, gone, apparently for good. Furthermore, there is not nearly enough RED in the kits. DC really should find a way to place something where those stripes once were. An idea I have always liked is using the District Flag. Bottom line, DC has lost alot of its visual distinctiveness. Now, DC's jersey is just like every other club's. It does not stand out, it is plain, and boring, and quite frankly, it now looks like a training top. I suppose however it might look slightly better once a good, and fitting front shirt sponsor is finally selected and added however. I guess well have to wait and see. In the mean time, see for yourself, and make your own comparisons / judgements.

First - the old 2007 jersey:


Now, the new 2008 jersey - sans stripes, and front shirt sponsor.

Black & Red's Intial Posting - Welcome!

Hello fellow Black & Red supporters, and soccer fans in general! I have finally decided to start a blog which will focus on one of my favorite things in life, D.C. United Soccer! I am a current season ticket holder, and have been regularly attending United matches since day one back in 1996. I have missed about 3 home matches since the 2003 season. I am currently a member of La Barra Brava since the beginning of the 2004 Season.

This blog is not intended to be a "news" source, or anything of that nature, rather, it is just one lifelong fan and supporter's musings, opinions, thoughts, rants, perspectives on all things D.C. United from on the pitch, in the stands, to the front office, and around MLS too. I will attempt to keep this updated at least once weekly, so check back often as this is a work in progress and were just getting started! Here's hoping for a gr8 2008 for D.C. United!!!!!!

EDIT: If you have any content you would like me to add, or you would like your blog or site linked to from this site, then please by all means contact me via email or through leaving comments here. I will add any content or links that are DC United, Soccer, US Soccer, MLS, or International soccer related. Thanks!