WASHINGTON – As D.C. United continue to try and end their losing streak, which has reached a club-record seven matches, a pair of trialists made an appearance at Tuesday’s training session.
With mostly reserves on the field, former US national team defender Frank Simek and 33-year-old forward Akpo Sodje both joined United for their session.
“We’re always looking for ways to make the team better,” United coach Ben Olsen said. “They’re some guys who came up on our radar so we decided to take a look.”
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Simek was a member of the US side that won the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup and, in 2010, made an appearance with the national team in a friendly against the Netherlands.
The 28-year-old outside back recently finished his third year with Carlisle in England’s third tier and recorded 36 starts in 46 matches.
“He’s an American player who had a little stint with the men’s team. We decided to take a look at some guys,” Olsen said. “We’re in no position not to take a look at guys and try to make our team better.”
Both Simek and Sodje are expected to be on a week-long trial with 1-8-1 United, but it could be difficult for D.C. to acquire Simek if they like what they see as he likely will have to go through the MLS allocation process. United acquired forward Carlos Ruiz through that process before the season.
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Sodje, a 33-year-old forward, spent the previous five months with Scunthorpe in English soccer’s third tier.
United’s next match is Sunday when they play host to Sporting Kansas City at RFK Stadium (5 pm ET, Univision Deportes).
Nick Cammarota covers D.C. United for MLSsoccer.com.
