1.50. He comes back slimmer this year and will be counted on to up his game while helping lead a younger core of backs.
DEFENDERS
Michael Harrington: Only missed one match in a very good rookie season. His speed and attacking runs will add a dimension to the offense. Onalfo has repeatedly stated that Harrington has had a terrific preseason.
Tyson Wahl: Will play right back in a 3-5-2 or center back in a 4-4-2. The third-year player will have to keep proving himself as a starter as Aaron Hohlbein is nipping at his heels.
Jimmy Conrad: The stalwart center back is said to be more focused than ever. The 31-year-old could miss time with World Cup qualifying duty for the United States.
Chance Myers: The top pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft rounds out a young backline. Like Harrington, his pace and energy will enhance the Wizards attack; he played some at left midfield in preseason as well.
MIDFIELDERS
Ryan Pore: This spot could go to a few others too, but left midfield could be Pore's to lose until Davy Arnaud is ready to go.
Kerry Zavagnin: The consummate professional does what it takes and often more at defensive midfield. His main mission will be to provide sufficient defensive cover for playmaker Carlos Marinelli.
Carlos Marinelli: The 26-year-old occasionally exhibited the passing touch and vision needed to put forwards in great spots to finish last season but failed to make the impact he was expected to. However, one must remember he was playing after being away from the game for a year. Now readjusted and aware of the requirements for playing in MLS, he has had a terrific preseason.
Jack Jewsbury: Switched to right back last season, but is back at right midfield at the moment. His work rate and dangerous long-distance strike should come to the fore.
FORWARDS
Ivan Trujillo: The Colombian native scored four goals in a couple of games in the preseason trip to Argentina. Trujillo is "an extremely hard-working target forward and is everything we expected," said Onalfo. He will have to fend off Scott Sealy to keep his spot.
Claudio Lopez: Said Onalfo: "What Lopez adds to our game too is he's going to set up things for his teammates. He's a winner; you can see it all the way through. He's a great pro on and off the field. He's everything you want in a [Designated Player] because he sets the example on and off the field. That's a dream for a coach in MLS."
OUTLOOK
Expect the Wizards to play well more consistently than last season now that Onalfo's system is more familiar and he has more of his team in place. Whether that will translate into more wins likely depends on three factors: the health of Lopez, the play of Marinelli, and the stinginess of the young back line. Their goal of a top two finish in the conference is within reach if the pieces fall into place.
GRADING THE SEASON
More wins and a deep run into the playoffs will suffice, but why stop there? Leaving playoff qualification to the last match(es) will be a disappointment. Missing the playoffs is out of the question.
NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT
Like Jimmy Conrad in the back and Kerry Zavagnin in the midfield, Claudio Lopez is expected to hold the frontrunners to a high-level of performance. Finishing chances, creating for others (even as a fill-in for Marinelli if he fades) and remaining dedicated to the vision are what the Wizards acquired him for. Fulfilling at least two of the three expectations is crucial to team success.
-- Bob Rusert
