D.C. United have just hauled themselves through an exhausting stretch of four matches in 12 days, during which they picked up an impressive 10 points and ran their unbeaten streak to 10 games.
Unfortunately for the worn-out Black-and-Red, their only reward is a brief respite before setting off on yet another stretch of four matches in 12 days, opening with what might be their hottest game of the year: a 6 p.m. ET kickoff on July 4 at FC Dallas, in the midst of the scorching Texas summer.
It looks to be an enticing matchup between the top teams in MLS, but neutral observers might not necessarily get the barnburner they're looking for on Tuesday. D.C. coach Peter Nowak and captain Jaime Moreno have hinted at the possibility of some player rotation in upcoming matches as the runaway Eastern Conference leaders look to preserve their starters' freshness and reduce the risk of fatigue-related injuries.
"I'm sure that a couple of players, including myself, are going to be resting," said Moreno last week. "It's been kind of a tough week and we just want to be smart. Sometimes you've got to make good decisions, so I think it's time to rest a little bit. But like I said, we'll decide and I'll talk to the coaches."
This sort of platooning has been made possible by the gradual recovery of several players who've spent long periods on the injured list, including versatile veteran Santino Quaranta and Justin Moose, United's top pick in the 2006 SuperDraft. Both have made brief substitute appearances over the past week and could offer much-needed depth as they regain match fitness following extended bouts with hamstring strains.
"I tried to come back a little early, and kind of underestimated it. I've never had a hamstring [problem], ever," said Quaranta of his injury. "Being a competitor, you just want to rush back. I kind of hurt myself a little bit. It put me back, but here now I'm happy to be back on the field. It's a relief."
While Moose remains somewhat of a lesser-known quantity -- his injury-time replacement of Moreno last Saturday was his first appearance with the senior squad -- Quaranta's return represents a major boost for D.C., not only in terms of attacking class but tactical flexibility.
The Baltimore native is equally adept up front or on the right wing, and is eager to make his mark after those hamstring woes derailed the momentum gained during an impressive 2005 season that saw him earn extended time with the U.S. national team.
"I had a good year last year, I had a good run with the national team and stuff, so I had high hopes for this year and was a little upsetting to go through some of that stuff," said Quaranta, a wistful smile hinting at his disappointment. "I went through a lot and I can't wait to write a book when I'm done."
The Independence Day visit to Pizza Hut Park could also feature midfielder Ben Olsen's first appearance in club colors since returning from World Cup duty in Germany. The inspirational veteran readily admits that his understudy Clyde Simms has performed admirably in his absence, however, and Nowak wants to work him back into the mix gradually.
"I know it's difficult when you come back (from Europe)," said Nowak. "The time difference, you always feel for a whole week or two weeks. You still have it in your system and we have right now the guys who can fill the spot for him. We will see."
United fans will not be surprised to hear that the uncompromising boss expects no letdown from his in-form side, regardless of who takes the field over the next two weeks.
"We're going to ask every player how he feels before the games we will have, and we're going to adjust to the situation," said Nowak. "A couple of guys are going to be back from injuries and we have to make a good rotation for the players, make sure that if they're going to come in, they're going to perform. That's the main point."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
