D.C. United opens camp with new coach, changing personnel

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.

Under Curt Onalfo, United's new coach, the team began workouts without veteran defender Bryan Namoff, who continues his delicate recovery from a concussion, and welcomed back goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who spent two years in the Norwegian league. Players without contracts tried to make an early impression and the retired Ben Olsen adjusted to his new role as an assistant coach.

Away from the field, however, United was buzzing with activity.

Club officials said they had cut ties with Argentine playmaker Christian Gómez, not a surprising development after United declined to exercise the option on his contract. They finalized a new deal with captain Jaime Moreno, MLS's career scoring leader, for a 15th season in the league and 14th in Washington.

And United chairman Will Chang said he has hired investment firm Inner Circle Sports to identify potential business partners. Chang, based in the San Francisco area, has been United's only owner since purchasing the balance of the club's interests from Victor MacFarlane and other partners last year.

"It's about making the franchise stronger and having the community more entrenched and involved," he said, emphasizing the desire to attract local investors.

Chang said unequivocally that he is not looking to sell his stake.

"If I didn't believe in the franchise, I wouldn't have bought out the other partners -- that is my vote of confidence and belief that the franchise has a huge future," he said. "I am passionate about the game and about the team, and I have no intention of getting out."

Chang would like to create an ownership structure similar to the one operating the San Francisco Giants, which has 30 investors, including Chang. He said he considers the Washington Capitals, led by Ted Leonsis, a model for diverse investment.

Once the flagship of MLS, United has fallen behind in several areas. Since advancing to MLS Cup three times in the league's first four years, the club has reached the final once in a decade and missed the playoffs the past two seasons.

And while many MLS teams have moved into modern, medium-sized stadiums, optimizing revenue opportunities through sponsorships, private boxes and other amenities, United's projects have faltered repeatedly and left the club stuck at antiquated RFK. As a result, the club's financial health has suffered.

Addressing the venue issue, team President Kevin Payne said conversations are ongoing with the Maryland Stadium Authority about a potential site near Camden Yards in Baltimore, as well as with developers in Northern Virginia and with District officials. He declined to elaborate on specific locations in and around Washington.