When Ben Olsen made his first start in over two months for D.C. United last weekend, it didn’t come as expected at the expense of midfielder Clyde Simms, who filled in admirably for Olsen while he was away at the World Cup.
Instead, Olsen gave Christian Gomez a much-needed break, getting a rare chance to take over the vaunted attacking midfield position.
“I enjoyed that the other night in Christian’s role,” said Olsen. “Fortunately and unfortunately, Christian’s one of the best players in the league and he’s a large part of our success up there. It was goodto get him a rest.”
The United coaching staff also got off lightly. With a team as healthy, deep and playing as well as any in MLS history, they have to leave Olsen, Gomez or another talented player on the bench.
“It’s so rare to have so many good guys. This league usually doesn’t work like that,” said Olsen, an eight-year veteran. “Usually there’s 12, 13, 14 guys and this team is deep. We’ve got 16, 17 guys that can play out here.”
After spending his early years on the wing, Olsen has become a force seasons in the middle of the field and had an enthusiastic performance against the Crew.
“It’s good to have him back,” said D.C. defender Bobby Boswell. “He’s probably the heart and soul of the team as far as emotions and when he gets going, it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
But United didn’t lose while Olsen was in Germany. In his absence, D.C.’s core of younger players shouldered more leadership and responsibility in the locker room. It will make it difficult for Olsen to win back his starting spot, but it also makes United (12-1-5), already owner the league’s best record, an even stronger title contender.
“By me leaving and guys coming in and filling in,” said Olsen, “you’ve got more guys now that are in the heat of the battle and know how to deal with situations game in and game out.”
D.C. United vs. Celtic FC
» Where: RFK Stadium
» When: Tonight at 7:30
» TV: Comcast SportsNet
» Radio: WMET-1160 AM, WACA-1540 AM
