D.C. United set to abandon ‘BennyBall’ for a more entertaining style of play
Between Luciano Acosta, Ian Harkes and the financial security that comes with a new stadium, expect the Black and Red to move away from ultra-defensive tactics.
D.C. United, whether through necessity or faith, has stayed the course over the last seven years. The head coach-general manager team of Ben Olsen and Dave Kasper has had some extreme ups and downs over their tenure, but ownership hasn’t wavered in their commitment to them in the slightest. The Black and Red had a solid 2016, and they’re hoping to improve by building off what their existing core of players do best.
The team’s direct and defense-oriented style of play has been pejoratively dubbed “BennyBall,” but young playmaker Luciano Acosta gave the team a bit more style in 2016. Fans are hoping that the arrivals of Ian Harkes and Jose Guillermo Ortiz help continue the team’s shift to tactics with a bit more pretty passing.
And new signings might be on the way for D.C., as well. Following years of needing to keep costs down due to an unfavorable lease at RFK Stadium, the club finally broke ground on their own stadium on Monday. Now that they know their financial future is secure, United’s owners might be willing to open up their checkbooks and compete with the elite clubs of Major League Soccer — something United fans were used to seeing during the league’s first decade of existence.
Key facts
2016 record: 11-10-13, fourth in the Eastern Conference
2016 playoffs: Lost to Montreal Impact in Knockout Round
Head coach: Ben Olsen
Key additions: Ian Harkes, Jose Ortiz, Sebastien Le Toux
Key losses: Alvaro Saborio
Projected starting XI (4-1-4-1): Bill Hamid; Taylor Kemp, Bobby Boswell, Steve Birnbaum, Nick DeLeon; Marcelo Sarvas; Lloyd Sam, Ian Harkes, Luciano Acosta, Patrick Nyarko; Patrick Mullins
Major trophies won, all-time: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004 MLS Cup; 1997, 1999, 2006, 2007 Supporters’ Shield; 1996, 2008, 2013 U.S. Open Cup; 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup; 1998 Copa Interamericana
What we think of our team: After years of moderately effective but dull soccer, the new style seen in the back half of the 2016 season (coupled with a forthcoming new stadium) have most fans feeling ... optimism? Are United supporters allowed to feel optimism?
What outsiders think of our team: “They’re a hard working side, that is at times inelegant. The recent dedication to youngsters like Ian Harkes, Jose Guillermo Ortiz, and Luciano Acosta is interesting. D.C. may not challenge Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, and New York City FC for the top of the East, but they should still earn results.”
D.C. United’s biggest rival: Undoubtedly the New York Red Bulls. Dating all the way back to 1996, and with no real lulls up to today, this is MLS’s first authentic rivalry. Numerous dramatic playoff games, big-name players suiting up for both sides, and the dynamics of the political capital vs. financial capital of the United States are all factors.
Best social media follow: A lot of United players don’t do much on any social media platform, but Lloyd Sam’s Instagram stories — usually involving meals, music, and video games — are pretty fun.
Our season hinges on … finishing. United’s attack as a group will create a ton of chances this year, and they’ll be dangerous on set pieces thanks to Steve Birnbaum. However, if the Black and Red can’t put those chances away, their riskier new approach will run into trouble. United scored a ton of goals after opening up, but they also began conceding goals at a higher rate. Getting the lead on a regular basis is going to be vital as a result.
Why this year won’t be like last year: United finished 2016 playing attack-minded soccer that bordered on swaggering at home, and spent the whole offseason emphasizing that this is the way forward for the club. United made few changes to the roster, and has instead focused on building on a team that was both more fun to watch and better at winning games.
Key player: Luciano Acosta. United’s change in formation and approach were major bets placed on the diminutive Argentine, and the club doubled down in the offseason by sending a seven-figure transfer fee to Boca Juniors to keep Acosta on a permanent basis. United is built around Acosta, and they embody his style of play: Dynamic, creative, feisty, and always looking to move forward.
Projected finish in 2017: Fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Wild prediction: Acosta will win the 2017 MLS Goal of the Year, with a lob from midfield or by nutmegging three people en route to a goal. Maybe both.
Want to know more?
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