What could be better than a distracting midweek trip to Costa Rica for D.C. United, which has taken a bare minimum of 16 players (11 starters, five substitutes), including just four regular starters, to the capital city of San Jose to face Saprissa tonight in the CONCACAF Champions League.
While the United’s top players — at least, those who aren’t shelved with injuries (Marcelo Gallardo, Fred, Luciano Emilio) — are saved for Sunday’s league match at Houston, the youngsters get a chance to prove themselves in one of Central America’s toughest venues, Ricardo Saprissa Stadium.
“To be honest, that’s the kind of stuff I live for,” said United goalkeeper Zach Wells. “I love playing in those situations — a bunch of fans yelling at you, throwing whatever they have at you, batteries and [urine] and whatever else — I think that’s the best environment to play in.”
The match is also a unique kind of audition for guys whose contracts and futures will be up in the air once the season ends.
“We’ve got new teams coming into the league, and guys are always going to be watching you,” said midfielder Joe Vide (left). “You’re putting your career on a good path if you go down there and play well.”
Costa Rica is the fourth different country United has visited this season, having already made stops in Jamaica, Mexico and Honduras.
“There’s a lot of things that go on,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “We’ve been in a lot of those environments. Nothing will shock me.”
