Meet The New Boss...Same As The Old Boss...

Your New DC United Head Coach

"We still have a blog?"

Walsh asked me that yesterday during our daily phone conversation after I told him I was actually going to write something today...

Yes, we've slacked off the past month. In our defense, we've both been vacationing like hell and it's been very taxing. After the drama of the Cup, we needed a break. Now we're back (at least I am), and are ready to try and hold your interest once or twice a week.

So, anything much happen while we've been away? Oh, yeah, DC United still sucks, and have been shutout in 13 of 19 games. I'm too lazy to look up statistics, but is it a stretch to say DC could score the fewest goals in MLS history? That's gotta be in the discussion.

I won't rehash what's been said on countless other blogs, websites, and newspapers over the past week (the best was by Steve Davis, who lambasts United management from top to bottom).

As for this past weekend's loss, a 1-0 shutout (surprise!!) to New England, the team did play with more passion, had the run of play for large portions of the game, and looked more competent under Ben Olsen's new leadership than they did most of the time under Curt Onolfo.

Although Olsen is a United icon, don't think he will instantly be able to duplicate the success Jason Kreis has had with Real Salt Lake. Kreis was able to almost seamlessly move from the field to the clubhouse, but the truth of the matter is that Real had already made several roster moves to put them in the position to win an MLS Cup within 2 years.

DC United could be as far away as any team in the history of the league to be a contender for the crown. Ben Olsen can't do much to change that. Dave Kasper and Kevin Payne are the ones to do it, but based on their history, what are the odds of that happening? Exactly. Until then, black and red fans, the best thing you can do is keep showing up for every game and sing your hearts out, willing your team to a win, or maybe even a goal?

In other news from the past week -

1. Manchester United beats Chelsea for the Community Shield. Sure, it's basically the final preseason warmup before the real games begin, but did you notice how old and slow Chelsea looked at times? Rooney continually ran away from John Terry, and Anelka and Drogba seemed like they hadn't played together in years. Will the Blues be able to stand up over the course of the seaon with the number of games on their plate?

As for United, they looked younger, stronger, and hungry. Based on his play in their U.s. tour and on Sunday, Berbatov finally looks like the signing United hoped he would be when they transferred a ton of dough for him 2 years ago. And Javier Hernandez? He scored the ugliest goal I've seen in a long time, but hey, it counts. As a United fan, I'm happy; as a United States fan, not so much. This kid is gonna pummel us for the next decade.

2. USL2 Updated - Well, we know who's in (Charleston, Richmond, and Pittsburgh). Pittsburgh is the 3rd seed and will play on the road against the 2nd place team, which right now is Richmond. HOWEVER, Richmond could still capture the regular season crown and homefield for the Final IF Charleston loses to Charlotte this weekend and the Kickers beat Real Maryland. Gotta love any league that literally comes down to the final games of the season!

3. PDL Title -The Portland U-23's became the 1st team in the history of the PDL to go unbeaten and untied en route to winning the title this weekend. The team is only in its' 2nd year of existence, and yes, they are the "farm club" of the Portland Timbers, the soon-to-be MLS franchise starting in 2011. Think just announced Head Coach John Spencer is a little giddy about some of the prospects he'll have to choose from when the team starts MLS competition next year?

That's all I've got for now, folks.

Maybe Walsh will find time to write up a summary and reaction to tonight's U.S./Brazil game?

We can only hope...