United stumble down the stretch, now 'must win' vs Vancouver

On September 24th D.C. United had an impressive showing against a somewhat second team squad of Real Salt Lake but the result was exactly what United needed - 3 points.

The Black and Red seemed poised to make a strong playoff push down the stretch of the 2011 MLS season however the ensuing road trip saw United lose to Eastern Conference and I-95 rivals Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew just three days later failing to collect a single point. Not the results the coaching staff, players, and fans had hoped for.

Now United find themselves two points out of the Wild Card Race and looking at a possible last chance to salvage any hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Luckily for United they are set to face Vancouver (W-T-L-L-L) who they handled easily back in August in a 4-0 home win. Now D.C. United faces a must win situation and three points are the only acceptable result.

One negative note for the re-match against the Whitecaps is that MLS leading scorer and MVP candidate, Dwayne De Rosario will most likely miss the game due to national team duty. The absence of DeRo will simply be an opportunity for another United player to step-up (Davies, Najar?) and help salvage the teams hopes of a playoff birth.

Oct. 12 D.C. vs Vancouver players to watch:

D.C. =

Perry Kitchen, the rookie must not suffer the mental lapses we have seen from him throughout the season while having to help the United defense keep track of F Eric Hassli (10 goals).

Charlie Davies, the streaky attacker has 11 goals this season and must help fill the void if De Rosario is absent as expected. Vancouver has allowed 8 goals over their last 4 matches.

Vancouver =

Eric Hassli, the Frenchman has 10 goals this season but was essentially a non-factor in the previous match against United at RFK. He will be looking to exploit the inconsistent play of United's back line. Keep an eye on the 6'4" stiker on set pieces and crosses into the box.

Jay DeMerit, DeMerit is back to top form after having played the full 90 in his teams last six games. If DeRo does not play, the former USMNT defender and Whitecap captain will be looking to minimize the United attack and shut down Davies up the middle.

Our Starting XI for tonights D.C. United vs. Chivas match

Needing every point the team can muster from hear on out we are hopeful that goalkeeper Bill Hamid will be in net for tonights match agians Chivas USA.

We elected to have Charlie Davies as the lone striker and put the always danderous playmaker, Dwayne De Rosario directly behind Davies in the hope that the two can find some much needed offensive spark working together.

Keep an eye out for Juan Pablo Angel who finally snaped his scoring drought with a goal against Chicago. He may spell trouble for the unpredictable Perry Kitchen on free kicks and corners. Goal scorers like JPA often score in bunches, just ask Davies.

Prediction: D.C. United pull off the win ONLY if Hamid gets the start in goal and has no more issues with his hamstring.

United win game but lose Pontius

Apparently Office Joe is some sort of soothsayer as he predicted D.C. United would win (although he had the score wrong) and he somehow new that United forward Charlie Davies would return to his early season goal scoring form, predicting Davies would have a "break out game".

The hat-trick from Davies and the much needed 3 points where obvious positives from Saturday night in L.A. verses the "other" MLS franchise in the City of Angels. All-in-all the recent stretch of time off was not only great for the Black and Red but exactly what Davies needed to get back to his hot pace of the showed at the beginning of the 2011 MLS season.



 
 The bad news however was that late in the match Chris Pontius who assisted on all three of Davies' goals was lost to a broken leg on an odd tackle.

Pontius Injury update

United Head Coach Ben Olsen:

On whether he saw “malice” in the tackle:
“Not really, no. Although, I will say, that wasn’t the first time Lopes was in the mix on some hard challenges. I don’t want to comment on it because it was on the other side from our benches.”

Up next  United travel to Century Link Field to face Seattle Sept. 17 as they try to wrap up the seaon and make it into the playoffs.

Heat and Revolution prove too much for United

A missed penalty shot from leading D.C. United goal scorer Charlie Davies was a clear sign that the game against the bottom dwelling New England Revolution would not end well.

Davies has scored 8 goals this season most of them coming from penalty kicks but he was unable to get back to his scoring ways in a 1-0 loss at home to the Revoultion.

Coach Ben Olsen:

"[Charlie Davies] missed a penalty kick – I’ve missed them, we’ve all missed them. I’m not too worried about that; I thought he played better today. I thought he was pretty good running off the ball. It was just that final stuff that failed him tonight, but he got into some good spots and he was dangerous."

N.E. Goalkeeper Matt Reis:

On Charlie Davies’ missed penalty kick in the first half:
"[The missed penalty kick] was huge because we didn’t have to play from behind and also I thought even though it was maybe the correct call, I thought it was kind of a harsh call because Pat [Phelan] really didn’t know anything about [the call], but those are the rules."

In what has become a somewhat frustrating season for rookie defender Perry Kitchen the lone goal by scored by New England was the cause of a missed mark in front of the United goal by Kitchen. May it be time for Head Coach Ben Olsen to give the rookie some time on the bench or the reserve squad to get his form back?

Goalkeeper Bill Hamid did play another stellar game in net for the Black and Red but the lack of scoring from his teammates did little to help the cause. If D.C. United want to make a serious push towards the playoffs then the newly acquired players and the existing roster players need to get on the same page and do it immediately before this season slips away from them.

Next up for United: International friendly against Everton July 23.

United Draw Galaxy - Come away with a point

Charlie Davies made his return to the line-up for the Black and Red against rivals L.A. Galaxy but was unable to bag a goal in the scoreless draw in Carson, CA.

With the tie against the Galaxy, D.C. United currently stand in third place in the Eastern Conference behind Philly and N.Y.

United are now unbeaten in their last five MLS matches.

D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen:

"I think overall we are pretty excited that in the last two games we get four points on the road. I am a little disappointed in not getting three points today. I thought we had some good chances. If only we were a little bit sharper in the final third. We are a little happier right now. Good trip. But, still, you know, we need to get those (three points). We need to start doing that. But, again, I am overall pretty happy."

RECAP: LA Galaxy 0 - D.C. United 0

United ranked 14th in MLS Week 8 Power Rankings, face #7 Rapids Saturday

The week 8 Power Rankings have been released by MLSSoccer.com and D.C. United come in at number 14, up two spots from 16th last week.

After a horrible April, United have bounced back with a win and a tie in their last two outings.

Still hanging around in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with eleven points in nine games, the Black and Red prepare to face Colorado this Saturday, May 14 at RFK.

Can Olsens' Army continue its recent turnaround and beat the Rapids, ranked no. 7 in this weeks power rankings, in front of United fans to insure it will not lose any ground to the top teams in the East, Philly and New York?

Vote for Charlie Davies: MLS Goal of the Week

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Davies and United try to erase bad memory of April, beat Seattle 2-1

by: Rick Allen
Quarter Volley
May 5, 2010


D.C. United took to the field at RFK Stadium last night looking to erase the memories of April, which saw the team win just one of its seven matches in all competitions, including a three-match overall losing streak to conclude the month. What they got was one goal each from forwards Josh Wolff and Charlie Davies, and a mostly comfortable 2-1 victory over a Seattle Sounders FC which brought a boost in the standings to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Is Seattle match a must win for United?

In preperation for tonights home match agianst the Seattle Sounders FC, check out this Q&A with MLS leading scorer, Charlie Davies.

Though it is still early in the MLS season (7 weeks in) United Head Coach Ben Olsen will be looking to mix up spots in tonights lineup in an attempt to stop the current losing streak and hopefully slow down the rate at which United have been surrendering goals. The Black and Red have lost three in a row and their last two league matches while giving up 11 goals over that stretch.

Davies started the season strong with 5 goals but has not scored in his last three games. His last goal coming April 16th against Toronto FC.

With Philly and New York playing so well this season and sitting 1-2 in the Eastern Conference is this already a must win for D.C. United and coach Ben Olsen?

United fall hard at home to Thierry Henry and Red Bull squad

What was advertised as a huge match-up for the Atlantic Cup between East Coast MLS rivals D.C. United and New York Red Bulls quickly turned into a one sided drubbing at RFK.

Joulie Foudy interviews Charlie Davies: ESPN2 - Charlie Davies And The Long Road Back

Biggest game of the Year Thursday for Charlie Davies and D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls and Thierry Henry

Davies Does it North of the Border!

In what has become a weekly event, Charlie Davies has simply scored another goal. This time Davies takes advantage of a rebound from a Josh Wolff shot and scores his 5th goal of the season for Olsens Army.

The goals have not all been beautiful but they count non the less and have helped D.C. United remain competetive as United is currently in 5th place in the Eastern conference with 7 points heading into Thursdays home match with rivals N.Y. Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls and Captain Thierry Henry are currently in the top spot of the Eastern Conference so this will be a big match to see if Davies and the Red and Black are "for real".


 

Davies does it again!

Saturday, April 9, 2011 at RFK Stadium against one of the more popular teams in MLS Charlie Davies did it agian.

 

With his league leading 4th goal of the season Davies helped United escape at home with a penelty kick goal to tie the game 1-1.

 

Up next for Charlie Davies and the rest of the Black-and-Red crew, Toronto FC on April 16th in Canada.

 

Can Davies continue this majical comeback season north of the border?

Charlie Davies Socres 2 goals; Emotional Postgame Interview

What an unbelievable start for both D.C. United and former USMNT rising star, Charlie Davies on Saturday night at RFK.

Take a look at the videos below to see Davies score 2 goals in his first MLS game for United and the post game interview with an emotional Charlie Davies.



 

DC United's Charile Davies & Jed Zayner - OSA World Juggle-a-thon

Learn about OSA World Juggle-a-thon - CLICK HERE!

Fox Sports Exclusive Interview: Charlie Davies

D.C. United Officially acquire Charlie Davies

Washington, D.C. (February 16, 2011) - D.C. United announced today that the club has acquired forward Charlie Davies. The Black-and-Red have signed the striker to a loan deal from French side FC Sochaux for the 2011 season. The club used its position in the MLS allocation ranking to acquire the forward. United will hold a press conference in the Volkswagen Lounge at RFK Stadium today at 2:00 p.m. to introduce Davies alongside President and CEO Kevin Payne, General Manager Dave Kasper, and Head Coach Ben Olsen. The press conference will be streamed live on dcunited.com.


“We are really pleased to have concluded a deal that will bring Charlie to United,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “Charlie spent 10 days with us in our first pre-season camp and underwent a full battery of physical and medical testing. He simply looks terrific. Coming in, we weren’t sure where he would be, but he’s great physically, has impressed with his mental approach and we’re excited to see him on the field with us this season.”

Davies comes to United from Ligue 1, where he burst onto the French scene with FC Sochaux in mid 2009. Davies scored twice in his debut for Sochaux, netting a brace in a 3-2 loss to Bordeaux on August 15. Davies went on to play in eight matches for the club before sustaining serious injuries in a car accident on October 13, 2009 while on U.S. National Team duty in Washington, DC. Davies ultimately recovered from his injuries and resumed training with Sochaux in April of 2010.

“Charlie Davies is going to be a great addition to this club,” said United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “He is a player that can make a difference, and we are looking forward to seeing him contribute to the Black-and-Red.”

Prior to joining Sochaux midway through 2009, Davies scored six goals in 11 matches across all competitions for Swedish side Hammarby IF. Signing for the Allsvenskan club in 2007, the New England native scored his first goal for Hammarby on June 24 against Klaksvik in the first round of the 2007 Intertoto Cup. Davies went on to play 20 league games that season for Hammarby, scoring a hat trick and his first three league goals in the last match of the season in a win over GAIS. Davies had his best season as a professional when he scored 14 goals for Hammarby in 2008, including three multiple-goal games. The forward started 25 of the 27 matches he played for the Swedish side during the 2008 campaign.

“I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to play for D.C. United and to put on that shirt,” said Davies. “I remember watching MLS as a kid and seeing D.C. United as the top team in the League. This is a dream to be able to play for such a prominent organization.”

“The club's fans don't need any introduction,” Davies continued. “Everyone knows how passionate they are and how much joy they bring to the game and I'm excited to play for them. This past week in Florida has shown me how great the atmosphere around the team is, and I know this is a place where I can be successful. This is a group of guys that is very close, and I'm excited to be a part of it. Ben is a coach that will push me and get the most out of me, and the ultimate goal is to help this team turn it around for this upcoming season and to put D.C. United on the map.”

At the international level Davies earned ascendancy quickly within Bob Bradley’s team prior to his accident. Davies played in 13 games for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2009, scoring three goals. During the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, he played in four of the five matches, including the final against Brazil. On August 12, 2009, Davies became only the fourth U.S. player to score at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in the team’s World Cup qualifying loss to Mexico. He also appeared in two games during the United States’ run to the Gold Cup final, scoring against Grenada on July 6 in Seattle.

On October 15, 2008, Davies scored his first senior international goal in the United States’ 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago during the CONCACAF qualifying rounds for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He earned his first international cap on June 2, 2007 in a friendly with China in San Jose, Calif. The forward went on to be part of the 2007 Copa America roster in Venezuela, where he was a teammate of D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen.
Collegiately, Davies played three seasons at Boston College. The New Hampshire native started 16 games in 2006 as a junior, scoring 15 goals to partner six assists. Davies led all ACC scorers in points per game, goals per game, and game-winning goals, as well as becoming the nation’s leader in points per game (2.25) and being second in goals per game (.94). He was named one of three finalists for the Hermann Trophy, earning NSCAA All-America First Team honors. Davies was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year and he was also selected as the nation’s premier forward by Soccer America. Davies finished his college career with 24 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances.



Name: Charlie Davies

Position: Forward

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 160

Jersey: 9

Date of Birth: June 25, 1986

Age: 24

Place of Birth: Manchester, New Hampshire

Citizenship: United States

Last Club: FC Sochaux

Acquired: Signed from FC Sochaux to a loan deal on February 16, 2011.
 

Charlie Davies coming to D.C. United?

D.C. United statement on Charlie Davies

Washington, D.C. (February 1, 2011) - D.C. United today made the following statement in regards to Charlie Davies’ potential loan to United.

        “Charlie Davies is expected to join D.C. United in Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday for a week-long evaluation period, which will include training and game time with the first team and a full medical evaluation by team doctors in DC. Details of a 12-month loan have already been negotiated, but nothing will be official until D.C. United is satisfied he is physically capable of playing at the level required to be successful in MLS. United currently holds the top spot in the League’s allocation ranking and would therefore have first option to acquire Davies.”

Who was the best US Mens National Team Coach?

USSOCCER.com announced Monday, August 30, that Bob Bradley has signed a four-year contract extension to remain the coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team through the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Following the 2010 World Cup there had been a lot of talk on soccer message boards and around the Internet regarding rumors of Bradley coaching a European team (i.e. Fulham, Aston Villa). There was also plenty "experts" debating wether or not Bradley was the right coach for the USMNT moving forward and was he solely responsible for their performance and the US teams results in South Africa at the 2010 World Cup?

In my opinion Bob Bradley did the best he could have done with a very small talent pool (most soccer fans would agree the US is still having trouble producing international level talent with exception of Goalkeepers). Add to the limited availability of quality players the fact that Oguchi Onyewu, the defenses anchor, was still recovering from his ruptured patellae tendon injury and Charlie Davies did not fully recover from injuries suffered in an automobile accident in October 2009 causing him to not even be selected for the World Cup roster. Bradley was forced to fill his roster with unproven players in Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez. Neither of whom made much of an impact.

Some may say that the coaches that have come before Bradley like Bruce Arena (1998–2006), Steve Sampson (1995–1998), and Bora Milutinović (1991–1995) had even less talent to draw from. I agree that the level of US soccer talent has grown over the last 20 years but so has the rest of the world which means Bob Bradley's teams faced tougher international competition. Bradley led the US team to an excellent performance in the 2009 Confederations Cup with a win over Spain who is playing in the World Cup Final. So I say lets recognize the excellent job done by Bob Bradley (61.8% of poll voters agree) and hope that the US Men's team can continue to develop a deeper and more talented roster for future international competitions so that soccer/football/futbol will finally get some respect here in America.

• Bradley coached U.S. to First Place in Group C at 2010 FIFA World Cup, Captured 2007 Gold Cup and First Place in CONCACAF Qualifying
• Holds Career Record of 38-21-8; Led U.S. to First FIFA Tournament in Final at 2009 Confederations Cup

VOTE FOR BEST US MNT COACH!