Is DC United Back?

  Saturday I got my first look at DC United this year. It was a preseason match against the Chicago Fire. With a newly acquired DP, DeRo with a new contract, Branko Boscovich fully healed, and Bill Hamid backstopping; United might be back.

  Is all the firepower going to be enough to overcome the defensive woes of last year though? During the first half of Saturdays match DC's failure to push play away from their goal was very evident. Without some fantastic play from backup keeper Joe Willis, it could have gotten out of control quickly. 

  By the time the whistle blew for the second half Ben Olsen had righted the ship. United controlled the pace of the game and continually pressured the goal. Hamdi Salihi found space on the right hand side of the box, striking a great volley into the upper right of the frame. Salihi is a venomous striker. I have a feeling this will not be the last highlight from this scorer in 2012.

  Overall I think DC might have enough offense to overcome their defensive woes this year. If Salihi, Boscovich, and DeRosario can get some chemistry going this might be something special. United might just be back, now all they need is a real stadium to play at (that's is another story entirely).

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