D.C. United: New Boots, New Names
New boots.
What's new? Well, I didn't recognize anyone, for one thing. Plus there are these new kicks that were everywhere, although I'm told that's just sort of the standard model and who knows how many will make their way onto the field.
As for the new guys, British midfielder Dan Stratford looks like Kyle Beckerman minus the dreads, according to Coach Tommy Soehn, while Gonzalo Martinez looks like a linebacker and goes by "Chalo," although he said "Gonzo" is also acceptable. The "which D.C. United player would win a Royal Rumble" question now only has one acceptable answer, and it isn't even close.
There are so many new faces, it's not just tough on the media.
"Walking into the locker room the first time, I knew like five people in here," McTavish said. "You try to learn their names, but you can't really talk to them, because no one speaks the same language. So it's a bunch of Spanglish, but we're getting along."
The two Gonzalos kind of threw me off," Clyde Simms said. "I felt like I was calling Marcelo 'Gonzalo" for a couple days. And there were a lot of rookies, and a lot of them had shaved heads in the first camp, so that was tough. I think I've got it down now, for sure."
Goalie Zach Wells is from Costa Mesa, California, which led Devon McTavish to spend lots of time singing the theme song from "The O.C." this afternoon.
"It was based on his friends and family," McTavish said of Wells.
"The producer went to my rival high school," Wells confirmed.
So that was his life?
"Basically, yeah," he said.
Blond (Marissa) or brunette (Summer)?
"Well, both," he said.
New boots.
By Dan Steinberg |
February 28, 2008; 3:01 PM ET
| Category:
D.C. United
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Posted by: sitruc | February 28, 2008 03:20 PM
Was this like Adidas asking everyone to try their new shoes? Or did they just drop off a tub of new shoes and players are trying them on at their leisure? Is there a way I can get to this tub and sample a pair myself? Is there then a way I can leave without returning the shoes to said tub?
Posted by: Chest Rockwell | February 28, 2008 05:59 PM
Definitely go with Summer
No chance we'll ever see Jaime wearing those boots. He's gotta be unique
Posted by: DCUMD | February 28, 2008 10:32 PM
Wecome back bogman!
Posted by: rory | February 29, 2008 07:38 AM
Don't worry bogman, you know I never left...
Posted by: sitruc | February 29, 2008 12:07 PM
Wait, Gonzalo Martinez would win the Royal Rumble? He looks tough, but I'd give the odds to the other Gonzalo, G. Peralta, who has 4" and 30 pounds on Martinez.
Posted by: noptov52 | February 29, 2008 12:19 PM
I'm proud I had to Google "royal rumble." I waste lots of time watching the tube, but I've happened to miss WWE, apparently :-)
I love the idea of a linebacker-type dude on our back line!
Posted by: Beaker | February 29, 2008 12:33 PM
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I used to idolize Gonzo on "The Muppet Show" and then later on "Muppet Babies". I still haven't resolved some of my feelings for the Muppets. Anyways, I'm concerned about McTavish's knowledge of "The OC." I'm more concerned about your coverage of United. Since the players don't know each other, wouldn't it be easier if you tried not to use names?