Brian Carroll isn’t one to dwell on the past. But it’s difficult to believe the stoic defensive midfielder hasn’t pondered the emotions that will grip him when he takes the field at RFK Stadium as the visitor after growing up with and spending so many seasons as an integral member of D.C. United.
“I haven’t thought about it that much,” said Carroll, a Springfield, Va., native who returns to Washington for the first time on Thursday with the Columbus Crew. “That’s been my entire career up until this point, but I’ve kind of put that behind me and moved on. I’m happy here right now, and I’m just looking to help the team win.”
The 26-year-old helped United (1-2) win the 2004 MLS Cup and led the team in minutes played in 2005 and 2006. Last year he fell out of lineup in favor of Clyde Simms, making a modest 19 starts, but then was then left unprotected in the expansion draft, where he was swooped up by San Jose and subsequently traded to the Crew.
“I kind of saw it coming because he’s a great player, and for him to be on the unprotected list, it was a no-brainer,” said Simms, who benefited directly but said the two were always friends and supportive of one another. “We definitely miss him. He was a great player, and he added a lot of depth to the team.”
Carroll is expected to make his fourth straight start for Columbus (2-1), lining up for the first time professionally opposite his two younger brothers, United reserves Jeff Carroll, 24, and Pat Carroll, 22.
“I think Brian’s been waiting for this,” said Jeff Carroll. “I think he’s been itching for it. I’m sure there are hard feelings, but he doesn’t talk about them. He doesn’t like to talk about them. It’s like a brand new, fresh start for him.”
Neither of the younger Carrolls are expected to play — Jeff (toe) is sidelined, and Pat, a rookie, has yet to see the field this season. The tight-knit trio, however, expects plenty of time to catch up at a family wedding this weekend.
