New D.C. United assistant coach Chad Ashton has plenty to get used to this season. The blustery cold weather of the team’s first official practice of the season at RFK Stadium Monday isn’t one of those things.
“It’s a little warmer than Denver so I can’t complain,” said Ashton, who coached at the University of Denver for 10 seasons.
He was one of several new faces on United’s first day, a number exaggerated by the absence of those traded away in the offseason and five players currently with the U.S. national team.
“It’s just like probably being a rookie player,” said Ashton.
United’s season doesn’t officially begin until its first game in just over three weeks. With the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, Superliga (a competition between four MLS teams and four from the Mexican first division), U.S. Open Cup, the league itself and other potential contests, it could be 50 or more games and 11 months before it’s over.
“Tommy [Soehn] will do a good job with managing us throughout,” said midfielder Ben Olsen. “I’m sure there’ll be emphasis on some tournaments because you can’t play your starting 11 for that many games.”
