With how notorious D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn has become regarding the secrecy around his starting lineup, it’s hardly worth speculating whether or not rookie goalkeeper James Thorpe might be a considered to start Saturday against Houston, a game D.C. needs to win by three goals to even have a chance to advance to the SuperLiga semifinals.
With the Dynamo and United also slated make up their washed-out June 4 game on Tuesday, both teams will try to get the most out of their rosters.
“Houston’s in the same boat [in SuperLiga],” said United general manager Dave Kasper. “They also need a victory and have a game three days later.”
Following United’s release of Jose Carvallo on Thursday, for the moment Thorpe is D.C.’s only backup, so at the very least his prospects have increased. Kasper said the team is in discussions regarding the acquisition of another goalkeeper.
“It’s an honor just to be a backup for Zach [Wells],” said Thorpe, whose United career began at a mini-combine on artificial turf inside Dulles SportsPlex last December. “Now, I just gotta work harder to keep where I’m at. I don’t want to go backwards, I want to keep going forward.”
Wells, who has started all but one game this season, recognized Thorpe’s potential right away.
“He’s obviously a gifted athlete,” said Wells. “He’s quick, explosive. Now it’s just trying to mold that into a consistent keeper because he makes some pretty unbelievable saves, and he makes them look easy.”
Carvallo was released after making just one start, a 4-0 loss at Real Salt Lake on April 12.
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