A Closer Look at the Roster

Now that DC United's injury list has been reduced significantly, it's time to look at who is on the roster and what the second half may bring in as far as the starting XI.

The top eleven players, in order, regardless of position:

Moreno, Gomez, Adu, Gros, Boswell, Perkins, Eskandarian, Olsen, Carroll the Elder, Erpen, and Namoff

That is two pure forwards (Eskandarian, Moreno) four pure midfielders (Olsen, Gros, Carroll the Elder, Gomez) one forward/midfielder (Adu), three defenders (Erpen, Boswell, Namoff) and one keeper (Perkins).

If Adu plays right wing, the lineup is obvious. However, Adu has been noticeably stronger at forward the last few weeks in individual play. The team has been scoring fewer goals since his move up front. I think the two are related. So move Adu back to right wing and get Eskandarian back in the starting lineup.

Now, the reserves are a bit more interesting. If the above eleven are starting, that leaves the following as reserves:

One forward (Walker), five midfielders (Simms, McTavish, Carroll the Younger, Mediate, and Moose), a forward/midfielder (Quaranta), a defender/midfielder (Wilson) , a defender (Prideaux) and a keeper (Rimando).

With only three subs per game, that is quite a list. Simms, McTavish, Mediate, Moose, Quaranta, and Wilson all have reasons to get them on the field. Simms and McTavish have played well in the absence of Olsen and Eskandarian. Moose is a first round draft pick who should start getting time late in games. Wilson just keeps getting the job done late in games as a defensive sub when DC has a slim lead. Quaranta needs playing time desperately as he was considered for the USMNT World Cup roster until injuries hit again.

An embarrassment of riches on the roster. As well as the defense has played, I credit the midfield for the low number of goals allowed this season. Should DC look to package a few of the younger players for an experienced outside defender? Probably. The MLS Cup is clearly within reach and shoring up the defensive personnel would probably be the best way to handle this roster logjam.