Defensive casualties hit United entering late-season homestand
By: Craig Stouffer
Examiner Staff Writer
September 9, 2009
D.C. United thought it would get a break during its stretch run to the playoffs, with five consecutive home games before concluding the regular season on the road.
But the long-awaited homestand will begin on Wednesday without two defensive regulars, as Marc Burch underwent left ankle surgery on Monday, joining Dejan Jakovic, who departed last weekend for a pair of sports hernia surgeries in Munich.
"It just adds to the craziness, especially being a critical time right now where we were waiting for this buildup, the five games at home," said United defender Bryan Namoff. "To be down starters definitely hurts."
United (7-5-12, 33 points) is currently part of a four-way tie for the final two MLS playoff spots.
Both Burch and Jakovic expect to miss at least two weeks, possibly more. Burch is tied for third on the team in games played (22) and second in minutes (1,856). Jakovic is fifth in both categories (20 games, 1,800 minutes).
Besides the continued use of recently acquired Julius James, D.C.'s defensive adjustment also is likely to come in the form of Clyde Simms, who moved from his midfield spot to replace Jakovic in United's four-man back line last weekend at Dallas and is likely to again versus Kansas City (6-10-6, 24 points).
United head coach Tom Soehn said the move actually allows Simms to run less but challenges him more mentally.
"You want to have a good balance," said Simms, "especially because where you would commit most fouls is in and around our box. You want to be smart at times, and not give them -- all teams in MLS have at least a guy or two that can hit a pretty good free kick."
