After two games played, with four goals conceded and just one scored, Ben Olsen isn’t happy with where D.C. United are at as a squad just yet. But he’s also not ready to hit the panic button this soon, and believes that his side is improving ahead of their game against the Vancouver Whitecaps this weekend.
“No one likes to lose,” Olsen told MLSsoccer.com. “No one likes to go 0-2 at the start of the season. Realistically, we aren’t going to panic. We have played two really good teams, and we certainly weren’t at our best.”
Last weekend against the LA Galaxy, United were outmatched for 90 minutes, and struggled to contain the high-powered Galaxy attack.
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“There are obviously things that we need to clean up in the back and with team shape,” Olsen said. “But from last week to this week, I saw an improvement in the way that we played and with the chances that we created.”
Defensively, United may be forced into making a change for the game this Saturday against Vancouver, as the status of center back Dejan Jakovic, who had to be removed from the Galaxy game at halftime due to a groin problem, comes into focus.
“He’s day to day,” Olsen said. “We will take a look at him in training, but we will continue to evaluate him.”
If required, Emilano Dudar would be the natural replacement for Jakovic alongside Brandon McDonald in the heart of the United defense. Dudar made his MLS debut on Sunday, coming in for the injured Jakovic, and Olsen was pleased with the Argentine’s performance.
“I thought [Dudar] did a great job, coming in and filling in for Jakovic,” Olsen said. “It’s nice to have another reliable center back.”
Vancouver represent another challenge for the Black and Red, and Olsen realizes that it will be another tough game at the beginning of this season for his side. However, he remains upbeat about his team, and their chances to win games going forward.
“I’m still very optimistic about this group,” Olsen said. “I like their energy and their wealth of talent. We just have to stick together right now, and find a winning result.”
