Only two starters from D.C. United’s last two-game series against Jamaican club Harbour View FC are currently with the team for its latest trip to Kingston.
It was three years ago that United last played Harbour View, earning successive 2-1 victories — both home and away. But tonight’s first leg in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup quarterfinals is expected to be the premier of a dramatically different first eleven for D.C. in its first official match of the 2008 season.
“Isn’t it crazy?” said United defender Bryan Namoff, who along with Jaime Moreno, started each of the games in 2005. “It’s taken a while to make the adjustment and to play a different style of soccer. We’ve been trying hard to get comfortable tactically.”
After three straight years of disappointing results in tournament play, United made over its roster during the offseason, with no change more dramatic than the addition of Argentine playmaker Marcelo Gallardo, who will start in place of departed Christian Gomez. Although they play the same position, Gallardo’s take on the role is quite different from his predecessor and countryman.
“He’s getting better and better,” said United head coach Tom Soehn. “Guys are beginning to understand the positions he gets into, how to find him quicker, and how run off him. But that comes over time.”
The defense will also look different, with Argentine Gonzalo Peralta and Colombian Gonzalo Martinez likely paired in central defense in front of new goalkeeper Zach Wells.
United arrived in Jamaica on Sunday, following a somewhat disappointing visit to Texas, where the field conditions weren’t ideal. But even that could help as United aims for a first-leg victory to carry home to next week’s return leg at RFK Stadium.
“It should be a good thing,” said Namoff, “because we’re preparing for field conditions that will likely be the same as what we played on in Texas.”
