The build-up to D.C. United’s regular-season opener on Saturday has finally begun, with a sweet new promo but also a couple fits and starts in practice.
First, forward Charlie Davies stuck to running on his own Tuesday after starting in each of United’s final two games last week in Charleston, S.C., the first two-games-in-four-days experience he’s had since before his accident in 2009. It’s hard to say whether or not he was in line to start Saturday vs. Columbus anyway, but it would be surprising if he wasn’t among the 18-man active roster.
“He tweaked his groin the other day,” said United head coach Ben Olsen. “But he’s fine. We’re just being smart with some of the guys that we have in that 18 guys that are kind of trying to fight for starting spots right now.”
Goalkeeper Bill Hamid would like to be among that group, and he tweeted last weekend that he’d be cleared today to finally practice without restrictions after his shoulder surgery last fall. Except that he didn’t, and instead appeared to have a couple of conversations during practice with Olsen about it.
“Tomorrow Bill will be at practice full out so come check him out,” said Olsen when asked about managing Hamid’s expectations. “He’s worked hard, and he’s very excited to get back. Twenty-four hours sometimes, whether it was the 15th or the 16th on the actually cut date, we had that debate today. Tomorrow, he’s going to be ready to go, and I’m excited for him because I know how he’s been ready to go. He was ready to go five months ago.”
Even if Hamid starts back training full-bore Wednesday, asking him to be ready for Saturday is probably just a bit too much, paving the way for Pat Onstad to start his season on the field as a player instead of on the bench as an assistant coach.
“It’s difficult, but I understand it,” said Olsen. “I was the same guy. Six months meant three months to me, and it’s probably why I had to retire early. He’s chomping at the bit. He sees it’s a competitive atmosphere here now. Guys sense that if you’re out, there are guys that can step in and do the job. And if they do the job on the field, guess what? You’re on the outside looking in. I think that’s a very healthy thing, but at times you have to manage personalities, and that’s what I’m here to do.”
D.C. appears set to announce that third/fourth string Joe Willis has been signed, and it would be surprising if the same doesn’t also happen with midfielder Brandon Barklage.
“He’s been very patient with us as we figure out one or two little last-minute things,” said Olsen. “He has been fantastic this preseason, and we’re trying to find a way.”
