D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn said he’s been discouraged by the performance of Argentine forward Franco Niell, who hasn’t made the 18-man available roster for each of United’s last two games. But Soehn may be forced to use him anyway over the coming month, as World Cup qualification matches thin United’s forward ranks.
“We expected more,” said Soehn of Niell, “and it’s not on any given performance. It’s what you put in on a daily basis in training, and it’s the same standard for everybody.”
Reserve forward Francis Doe will miss United’s next five games to be with the Liberian national team, and Jaime Moreno said Tuesday he’s been in touch with the Bolivian national team, which also plays twice in June.
Niell, 25, who is on a one-year loan from Argentinos Juniors, is United’s eighth-highest paid player ($152,500), but the 5-foot-4 striker has just one assist in seven appearances.
He said through a translator that he is worried, and if he continues to be omitted, he’ll consider leaving for another club or going back to Argentina.
“I feel that I’m making progress,” said Niell, “It’s ultimately the coach’s decision to include the player. He’s got players that are good for what he needs, and right now I find myself on the outside looking in.”
