D.C. United's Midfield And Quaranta's Role
by Steven Goff (Profile/Interview | Washington Post - March 2)
If you're waiting for D.C. United to sign a traditional playmaker, someone to follow in the footsteps of Marco Etcheverry, Christian Gomez, Marcelo Gallardo and Gomez again, you are probably wasting your time. more details | go to article

In Victory, U.S. Players Make World Cup Push
by Steven Goff (Blog Entry | Washington Post - February 24)
Which U.S. players improved their case the most for a World Cup roster slot? Vote for two more details | go to article

Dear Mr. Anschutz
by Steven Goff (Commentary | Washington Post - February 22)
Thank you for your time, sir. Can I call you Phil? No? Okay, no worries. I feel as though I know you as well as any reporter, which isn't saying much considering you've been politely declining interviews since your 14th birthday. We were introduced before an MLS board of governors meeting years back and you were quite gracious in allowing me to stay at your Eagles Nest Ranch on the high plains outside Denver for a story about D.C. United's unique getaway after a match against the Rapids. more details | go to article

MLS Players' Union Counters
by Steven Goff (Article | Washington Post - February 21)
We heard from the players Friday about the contentious labor talks. We received a response from MLS on Saturday. And in an e-mail to the Insider on Sunday, union executive director Bob Foose replied to the league's claims. more details | go to article

MLS Responds To Players' Comments
by Steven Goff (Article | Washington Post - February 20)
MLS players broke their silence Friday about the direction of labor negotiations. Now, the league has responded with their first public comments concerning the collective bargaining agreement talks. more details | go to article

Luis Gil Signs With MLS
by Steven Goff (Profile/Interview | Washington Post - February 19)
Luis Gil, a 16-year-old central midfielder who attracted interest from Arsenal and other European clubs, has signed with MLS and will be allocated through a weighted lottery Monday. more details | go to article

Conjuring Eric Cantona
by Steven Goff (Blog Entry | Washington Post - February 19)
Tiger Woods' speech paled in comparison to the one delivered by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, the Frenchman who, in 1995, as part of a news conference following his flying kick at a Crystal Palace supporter in the first row of stands, said: "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea. Thank you very much." more details | go to article

Bonuses At Stake For World Cup Players
by Steven Goff (Blog Entry | Washington Post - February 18)
Selection to the U.S. World Cup squad means representing your nation in the planet's most important sporting event. It means being part of history, whether or not you step on the field. It means possibly playing a role in the massive upset of England in the Group C opener (well, we'll see about that). It also means claiming a tall stack of cash. more details | go to article

Freedom, D.C. United Doubleheader Possible
by Steven Goff (Preview | Washington Post - February 18)
In what would be the only joint appearance this season, D.C. United and the Washington Freedom are in discussions about a possible doubleheader May 1 at RFK Stadium, the Insider has learned. A decision is expected next week. more details | go to article

MLS Labor Negotiations In Trouble?
by Steven Goff (Analysis | Washington Post - February 17)
On the surface, the MLS labor situation is not so much a dispute as it is a mere difference of opinion. The sides have been pleasant, cordial, almost vanilla in public (not unlike, say, a midseason match between Colorado and Dallas). more details | go to article

D.C. United Acquires Cristman In Trade
by Steven Goff (Blog Entry | Washington Post - February 3)
D.C. United has acquired forward Adam Cristman from the Kansas City Wizards for an international player slot. Each club is given eight slots to fill with foreign players. As a result of the trade, United now has seven and the Wizards nine for the next two seasons. more details | go to article

D.C. United Schedule Announced
by Steven Goff (Press Release | Washington Post - February 3)
We already knew the opponents and sites for the club's first three matches. Here's the rest of the 30-game league calendar, which includes a two-week break in June while the group stage of the World Cup is held: more details | go to article

D.C. United Opens Camp With New Coach, Changing Personnel
by Steven Goff (Profile/Interview | Washington Post - February 2)
With players in winter caps and warm-ups to protect against a brisk breeze, with only half a field available and snow piles providing boundaries, the 90-minute session marking the start of D.C. United training camp Monday outside RFK Stadium was mildly noteworthy. more details | go to article

United's Itinerary
by Steven Goff (Profile/Interview | Washington Post - February 2)
Summary pre-season schedule through April 3 home opener vs. New England. more details | go to article

Friday Kickaround
by Steven Goff (Blog Entry | Washington Post - January 29)
*D.C. United's first four trialists for the start of training camp are:... Notes on LA Sol dissolution. more details | go to article