D.C. United's first-year head coach Tom Soehn has thus far established himself as a competitive yet composed boss with a more understated style than his stern predecessor, Peter Nowak. But his patience has flagged as his squad has piled up one subpar display after another, leading to a more confrontational approach as winless United prepare to host two matches in a four-day stretch that could do much to determine the course of their floundering season, beginning with a vital rivalry match against the New England Revolution on Thursday night at RFK Stadium.
"This week's been a week of challenging those guys about their passion," said Soehn on Tuesday, "and making sure they know what they need to do, as far as for themselves, the fans, the organization and to prove themselves to me."
Most of this week's training has been closed to media as the Black-and-Red bear down in an increasingly urgent effort to stop the rot. Soehn called out his entire team on Monday, and subsequently met one-on-one with several underperforming players.
"When you watch, obviously it's not everybody as a whole, but there's certain individuals that carry that," he said of the lethargy plaguing his side. "It's all about having pride and playing for something, whether it's yourself or your family - something that's a little different than just coming to work every day. I think we've lost a little bit of that."
For all the recent analysis of formation and personnel, the 2006 Supporters' Shield winners have come up short in the most critical area: intensity and effort. It's a startling indictment, considering that many observers believe this talented side actually ran itself into the ground over the late stretches of the past two seasons.
"For someone who has been here a while and has seen what this club has been about, to have a team go out there and not [show] the fight and the passion that this club deserves, it's just simply embarrassing and has got to change," said veteran Ben Olsen. "That's the basics. If you don't have that, you can't even start to talk about tactics. Tactics can go out the window - if you're not showing up, it doesn't matter what formation you play."
United's 0-3-0 record puts them dangerously close to matching the club's worst-ever start, and avoiding that fate will require a considerable revival on Thursday as the Revolution carry a three-game unbeaten streak and a growing confidence into RFK Stadium.
"New England's a solid team, they've gotten off to a strong start," said D.C. midfielder Brian Carroll. "We have a lot of history with them. We know what to expect with them, they know what to expect with us. It's just a matter of going out there and playing and wanting to get the result, and putting the heart and intensity into it to get that result."
Carroll has become a particular target for criticism, as the steady growth he's displayed over the past three seasons has been disrupted by some off-color performances of late. He's aware that his pivotal - and visible - role at the base of United's five-man midfield magnifies every misstep, and he spoke frankly about his troubles this year.
"I think [it's] the final ball, when I look to play somebody in," he said. "I know where it wants to go, and I just don't get it there, and what ends up happening is a turnover that leads to a counterattack and some dangerous chances that have resulted in some goals."
Clyde Simms is expected to be available after missing two games with an ankle injury, and his return gives Soehn another option at holding midfielder should he decide to further shake up his starting XI after making two changes against the Crew last week.
"There will be changes that happen in order for us to turn it around. Now, what those are going to be is up to the coaches," said Carroll. "Anytime you start a season like this, of course there's going to be some fire lit under a lot of peoples' behinds. That's taking place - and guys are lighting a fire underneath themselves."
Everyone in the United locker room is acutely aware that no one's job is safe.
"We don't know yet, but can any of us really blame him if he did?" said Olsen of Soehn's potential changes. "Really? Probably not. That's up to them, but maybe we need some sparks and maybe that's a way to go about it."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
