Thursday’s press conference gave us some insights into how DC United’s coach and players are adjusting to recent challenges and successes as they prepare for Saturday’s game at the Columbus Crew.
DC United Coach Chad Ashton had a positive take on the past week’s two victories, addressing preparations for the game in Columbus and describing the Crew’s strengths and United’s own response.
With two games in quick succession shortly after taking over, he stated that for the team the week was “Super stressful” but the team, “passed every test along the way.” The wins were hard earned. The Cup match showed United’s depth while the MLS match showed a renewed spirit with the first full game performance of new designated player, Taxiarchis Fountas.
His impact was immediate and welcome. In Coach Ashton’s words, “We talked last week about having fun, enjoying coming to work. He’s a guy that epitomizes that.” “Everybody is ecstatic that he is here.”
Taxi is, “Exactly the player I expected.” “He’s a high energy guy on and off the field.” Such energy is infectious and appears to have energized the team.
Fun on the soccer field comes from executing difficult and impactful skills along with one’s teammates. In reference to lessons learned so far, Ashton referred to making a few tweaks while remembering, “Let’s enjoy what we’re doing and let’s get after things in the right way. I feel a very positive energy.”
He is concerned that despite Columbus’ recent struggles, “When your opponent has them, that’s what scares you.” Noting that, “At some point in time, goals start to come”, he realizes that, “They have, in Nagbe and Zelarayan, two guys that are game changers. – – – At any time, they can change a game in their own way all by themselves.”
Chris Durkin cited the coach’s pointing out after the win over New England that they are a good team as winners of last year’s supporters Shield. He described the players’ enthusiasm as, “Super pumped for that result.”
On the question of coming back, only to adjust to a coaching change, he averred, “If you want to have a guy who’s used to coaching changes, then I’m your guy. Being in St Truiden, I was there with six or seven coaches changed in a matter of two and a half years. That’s nothing new to me.”
His relationship with interim coach Ashton continues from a strong connection when Durkin spent his first professional years with DC in 2019. He finds it easier to, “Continue to work and focus on myself and help my teammates out, and that’s what everybody else is doing.”
Durkin is pleased to return to a working and personal relationship with fellow midfielder Russell Canouse, “He’s crucial to winning first and second balls then distributing balls. You know what you’re going to get from Russ.” United’s emphasis on pressure requires familiarity with teammates to allow quick and effective conversion of opportunities created.
DC United has considerable competent depth in midfield with a variety of primary skill sets available. The team has a great chance to grow as Taxi’s energy is supplied by the midfield. That variety will give Ashton the ability to present opponents with different strong, tailored challenges for each game. It also will provide the means to adjust as any given game develops.
The Columbus game should give us a clue about how effective his plans are.
