With a little over a week of preseason already completed, DC United has already made several changes to their preseason roster. Many trialists have come to RFK in hopes of a roster spot, but some (approximately eight) have already been cut while others have been added. Two young but experienced players, Josh Lambo and Alanzo Adlam, have been added this week in hopes that they receive a roster spot for preseason play. Lambo is a goalkeeper from FC Dallas, who while only 21-years-old, has four years of MLS experience. Adlam is a 22-year-old player who hails from Jamaica. If signed, Adlam could add even more depth to the Foward spot. Probably the biggest name in the mix is 29-year-old Danish player Sebastian Svard, who has had stints with Arsenal FC, as well as Borussia Monchengladbach. Currently he plays for the Dutch club Roda JC in the defensive midfield role, and has caps for the Denmark youth squads.
Speaking of the midfield position, DC made a bit of news a few days ago with the acquisition of Danny Cruz. Cruz, who most recently played for the Houston Dynamo, is yet another quality midfielder that could see time this year with what is becoming the top midfield in the MLS. In just two seasons, Cruz had 51 appearances with Houston and added 4 goals. He also has a few caps with the US U-17 and U-20 teams. In Cruz, United gets another talented and promising young player, as well as another midfield player that will add depth to the position.
Another promising young player is United’s sole pick from the 2012 Superdraft: midfielder Nick DeLeon from the University of Louisville. DeLeon, who is an attacking outside midfielder, played two seasons with the Cardinals, advancing to the National Championship in his first year. Overall, he scored 14 goals in two seasons, and added 9 assists. It is a funny coincidence that DeLeon was selected by DC United, since his father played for the old Washington Diplomats from the NASL in the 1970s. Coach Ben Olsen believes that DeLeon could possibly have a large impact during his rookie campaign, much like Perry Kitchen did last season.
In the Supplemental Draft, DC United selected three players, and two have remained with the club this week in search for a spot. Lance Rozeboom (University of New Mexico) and Charles Rodriguez (Charlotte) have kept their chances alive after a week of training. Rozeboom is a midfielder who was a starter on the undefeated New Mexico squad that went 18-0-4 last season. He scored 4 goals and added 3 assists. From his sophomore year on, he also showed his durability by starting in 57 consecutive matches. In a long season, durability will definitely play a big role. Alongside Rozeboom is Rodriguez who plies his trade on the back line, and also started every single match except one during his four years at Charlotte. He was a team captain his senior year, and helped lead Charlotte to the National Championship match against ACC powerhouse North Carolina. Rodriguez possesses a great potential for leadership on the pitch, along with some good defensive talent, something that DC is wanting to get right this season.
Upcoming Preseason Matches:
February 25th vs. Chicago Fire
February 29th vs. Charleston Battery
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
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