D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen didn’t see or hear much American coverage while playing for the United States at the World Cup in Germany. But since he returned on Saturday, he’s become fully aware of the critical assessments of the U.S. performance.
“We didn’t get much of it. I’m hearing it now, coming back, about a lot of stuff and things that have been said from people who don’t know soccer,” said Olsen, who made his first and only appearance in the loss to Ghana. “I shouldn’t be worried about that and it shouldn’t bother me, but it does.”
Olsen participated in his first practice with United in nearly two months on Monday. But he sat out toward the end of the session, icing a nagging groin injury that could keep him out of Wednesday’s visit to Kansas City.
“They’re doing great,” Olsen said “They’ve probably picked it up since I’ve left, to be honest.”
United was 5-1-3 during his absence, and Clyde Simms’ showing of late in Olsen’s usual midfield role willmake it more difficult for the eight-year veteran to regain his spot.
“In good clubs around the world, if you leave, if you get hurt, someone comes in and is good enough to take your spot,” said Olsen. “A guy like Clyde, and some of these other guys, have come in and done well. I don’t think there’s any reason I should be playing over those guys right now.”
Perkins honored
With two shutouts last week, including a six-save performance against Kansas City on Saturday, D.C. United goalkeeper Troy Perkins was rewarded with his first MLS player of the week award. Perkins leads MLS in victories (9), shutouts (5), goals against average (0.80) and minutes played (1350).
