Trade for former Terp sparks turnaround
D.C. United can hardly wait to bring in summer reinforcements, whether they come from Europe or South America. But the team’s first key in-season addition actually happened a month ago when former Maryland standout Stephen King arrived from Seattle in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2011.
The central midfielder’s integration into the squad turned the corner last week when he made his first two D.C. starts. King set up the first goal in United’s surprise 3-2 exhibition win over AC Milan and then helped D.C. end a three-game MLS losing streak with in another 3-2 win, this time over Chivas USA.
“I’m getting more comfortable with the guys around me, and they’re getting more comfortable with me,” said King. “It’s a two-way street, and just over the past week, some of that progress has shown.”
Despite its dire start to the year, D.C. remains focused on closing the five-point gap between itself and a playoff spot before MLS takes a break during the World Cup, and a dwindling list of injuries certainly helps. But King may still be pressed into double duty as United faces Real Salt Lake twice in three days — first on Wednesday in a U.S. Open Cup qualifier and then again on Saturday in regular season action.
“He’s done a good job of helping us possess the ball,” said United head coach Curt Onalfo. “He’s a connector so he’s helped there, but it’s just been a collective effort, and it seems like bounces are starting to go our way where they didn’t early on.”
Real Salt Lake, the defending MLS champions, are scheduled to visit the White House on Friday.
