The MLS Transfer window still has a few weeks left, but the DC transfer rumors have all dried up and there doesn’t seem to be any urgency by the team to fill its two glaring needs. Do you agree? What do you expect to happen before the transfer window closes? I would be interested to read your thoughts.
DC United take the lead.
Goal by Nathan Ordaz
Bartlett is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Most likely Weiler will use Sean Nealis as the starting Center Back, but I really hope he considers using Nikola Marković, who is quicker, more athletic and has higher upside.
Outside of that, I really would like to see Ordez moved into the starting lineup, and try Matti Peltola next to Dozzell from the start. Both players have brought an energy l would really like to see from the beginning of the match. Personally I think Peglow would be more effective coming off the bench for the final 20-30 minutes. He gets so sloppy at the end of matches, but is pretty clean for short periods of time.
I don’t know if Hopkins has ever played on the left, but considering Kurokawa gives the width, Hopkins would have the freedom to cut inside and press forward more centrally. Weiler could keep Hopkins on the right and play Ordez on the left, he is a natural left footed player, so could provide service from the wing. However there is some benefit having both players being able to cut inside and let the fullbacks to provide outside crosses.
Due to the beginning of the League’s Cup, DC has a break, plus a friendly against Loudoun United, so it has time to work on this improved lineup. I hope Weiler uses it wisely.
Nono’s primary position is as a right fullback, but Silvan Hefti has that spot pretty locked down. It’s hard to believe DC United have spent the capital they have for a back up. Could we see Nono played at a higher level, and as the right midfielder in a 4-4-2?
Jason Anderson posted on BlueSky that he has been trying to get DC United’s International slots sorted for a little while, especially after comparing notes with @joseumana.bsky.social after Saturday's DCU win.
Per DCU comms, the team has 8 international spots, of which 5 are occupied. Matti Peltola, João Peglow, & Kye Rowles at some point received their green cards.
This means with the addition of Kimito Nono there are six current International Player spots on DC United. Theses are held by : Nikola Marković
Keisuke Kurokawa
Kimito Nono
Silvan Hefti
Andre Dozzell
Louis Munteanu
This gives the team the ability to add two more international players this season. Due to the nations they are from, and how the green card process works, Nikola Marković,, Keisuke Kurokawa, Silvan Hefti and Louis Munteanu could be receive green cards next season. Have a feeling DC United is already working on this, which would be a huge upgrade to what used to happen.
Everyone should signup for Green Line Soccer. Jason Anderson does an excellent job of covering both DC United and the Spirit.
In the most recent Green Line Soccer report, Anderson wrote a great analysis of DC United’s newest acquisition. It’s well worth reading.
Anderson also shared what he understands DC United's situation with regards to MLS's many roster rules. Those have been shared here:
Total roster spots: 31 (26 occupied, plus 3 players on loan)
Senior roster spots: 20 (19 occupied)
Supplemental roster spots: 11 (7 occupied)
Designated Player spots: 2 (2 occupied)
Tai Baribo
Louis Munteanu
U22 Initiative spots: 4 (3 occupied)
Caden Clark
Jackson Hopkins
Nathan Ordaz
Players on loan: 3
Richie Aman (Loudoun United FC)
Hakim Karamoko (Forward Madison FC)
Garrison Tubbs (Orange County SC)
International spots: 8 (8 occupied)
Mattie Peltola
João Peglow
Kye Rowles
Nikola Markovic
Keisuke Kurokawa
Louis Munteanu
Silvan Hefti
Andre Dozzell
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