At midpoint of MLS campaign, D.C. United struggling on, off the field

Offensively, the club has been shut out in 11 of 17 league matches and has had to lean on 17-year-old midfielder Andy Najar for a team-high three goals.

While Najar has been one of the few positive developments, other newcomers have not fared well: Salvadoran midfielder Christian Castillo, whose arrival rekindled interest in United in the Hispanic community, failed to adapt to the team and league, and was cut; and veteran goalkeeper Troy Perkins, reacquired after two years in Europe, yielded several soft goals early in the season and lost the starting job to Bill Hamid, 19, before regaining it.

On Tuesday, United released third-year midfielder Boyzzz Khumalo, a quick and energetic reserve who hadn't scored in eight MLS matches.

United's latest signings, Argentine forward Pablo Hernandez and Montenegrin midfielder Branko Boskovic, have shown promise since arriving this month.

The club is hoping to add a marquee forward before the Aug. 15 international transfer deadline, but the "stars really have to align to get big-name players," Payne said. United was reportedly pursuing Real Madrid legend Raul, who was expected to sign in Germany or England this week.

The New York Red Bulls, backed by the energy drink company, have already added one big name, French forward Thierry Henry, and are apparently finalizing a deal with another, Mexican defender Rafael Marquez. The Los Angeles Galaxy, supported by billionaire Philip Anschutz, is interested in Brazilian star Ronaldinho, and the Chicago Fire, with wealthy investors, acquired Mexican forward Nery Castillo.

The absence of a corporate ownership group, as well as the lack of a revenue-generating stadium, would seem to limit United's options.

"We're certainly not in the same position as Red Bull or even AEG [Anschutz's entertainment firm], but Will has been very supportive of our efforts to try to improve the team," Payne said. "We are not going to be out signing 10-million-dollar-per-year players, but in general, I don't think we are hampered [financially] any more than most other teams in the league are."

Meantime, Payne does not plan to make any coaching or front office changes, saying: "I understand fans. They want to blame somebody, they want it to be somebody's fault, and sometimes it is. But when you are in this position, it is a little self-indulgent to just say, 'Okay, we are going to blame him and he's going to take the fall for it and then everything is going to be fine.' What we are more worried about is trying to fix things right now."