Soccer Insider

Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff was online Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. ET to chat about D.C. United and other soccer topics.

The transcript follows.

Goff covers the D.C. United beat for The Washington Post and writes the Soccer Insider blog for washingtonpost.com.

Discussion Archive

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Steven Goff: Howdy.

Let's talk, shall we?

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Rocko: I still can't believe MLS Cup will be at RFK (for the last time) and DCU won't be playing. I hate Chicago.

Thanks for keeping us instantly informed of everything all season long, you are a credit to your profession.

Steven Goff: Thanks for the kind words! (about me, not Chicago)

Not only are United supporters disappointed about the club's early exit from the playoffs, MLS has got to be a little down about another "host" team not making it to the final. We've only seen it happen twice in 12 seasons: 1997 (D.C.) and 2002 (New England). You'll still see a big turnout at RFK, but not necessarily a sellout and certainly not the same passion if United were playing.

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Salisbury, Md.: Does D.C. United have a shot of signing Juan Riquelme if they can't re-sign Christian Gomez or he decides to leave?

Steven Goff: I have not heard anything about Riquelme coming to MLS.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Steve, I love Soccer Insider.

A lot of the Americans who moved to new teams in Europe recently -- Sztela, Adu, Feilhaber, Pearce -- haven't seen much of the field since their transfers. Is this a normal amount of waiting time for new transfers, or are our guys just not good enough to make the cut? Do you think there's any anti-American bias contributing to this?

Steven Goff: If there were a bias, the club never would've signed them. Teams don't care where players are from; they only care if they can play. Every situation is different, some players fit in right away, others need time, some never cut it. Unlike MLS, the competition for playing time in Europe is intense. I like Adu's progress at Benfica and believe he is going to be successful there.

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Sterling, Va.: Assuming we keep Gomez, wouldn't Jimmy Conrad and Eddie Johnson be all we need to win every tournament we're in next year? We need a rock solid central defender, and we need speed up top. In our wildest dreams, would it be possible to bring those two in, or are they untouchable? No need to go outside the U.S. if we could get them.

Steven Goff: Johnson and Conrad are both superb players and I'm sure they would help United immensely, but frankly I can't imagine Kansas City would want to trade them. And if they did, the price would be rather steep.

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Ellicott City: Is Burch a future national team left back? Maybe a call-up for team camp in the upcoming weeks?

Steven Goff: Burch was a revelation this season, but, in my opinion, needs another good year in MLS before he's ready for international play. Certainly a player to watch at a position that lacks depth on the national team scene.

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K Street and Arlington: Arena,

It's obvious that Arena has served his purpose as a head coach. I think his limits as a manager have been reached. That said, I think Arena's benefits to American soccer are FAR from over. I don't know if he would be a good Commissioner or even a good GM. My ideal role for him would be as Head of Officiating. Agree/Disagree/Thoughts? Could MLS hire him and have USSF train him to spearhead improvement in this area? Or do you think he'd be better as the MLS head of all youth developments at the respective clubs?

Steven Goff: Bruce just seemed very grumpy this year, more so than usual. Never afraid to share his opinions, TV commentary might be his next destination. I do know he has always had an interest in sports administration, so maybe we will see him in a management role somewhere next year.

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Sterling, Va.: Any inklings of any non-United Soccer matches for RFK? Qualifiers, friendlies, exhibitions, Frank Le Beouf, etc...?

Steven Goff: Nothing planned at the moment. There continues to be talk about United going to Libya next year, but right now, it's just talk. With baseball gone, I'm sure we will see a U.S. national team friendly or qualifier next year.

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Rocko: So out of 6 potential trophies we win 1. On a 1-10 scale how successful was this season? I'd give it a 4.

Thanks for doing the chats.

Steven Goff: The Supporters' Shield was earned over the course of a long season, so I'd give it more than a 4. You knew DCU wasn't going to go far in Sudamericana, so no big disappointment there, but they could've reach the final of Champions' Cup, should've made the final of SuperLiga and were embarrassed in Open Cup. 5?

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WNT fan: What do you hear about the search for Ryan's replacement?

Steven Goff: Haven't heard much. The Australian coach's name has come up frequently, and, of course, Tony DiCicco. Hopefully, we will know more about the search in the next couple weeks.

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Bethesda, Md.: How much do you think it hurt DC United to have never settled on a consistent line up? Up until the last game, Soehn kept adjusting the defense. Boswell in, Boswell out, etc. It gave the fans pause, I can tell you that. And it might have shaken the confidence of several players.

Steven Goff: Good point.

Consistency is vital to playoff success and I was a bit surprised that Soehn went with McTavish in the opener and then Boswell in Game 2. Up to that point, I think he had handled the three-central-defenders-for-two-spots situation rather well. You can't blame Soehn for the frontline moves (injuries to Emilio and Moreno).

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Section 230: Is it mean to be happy about the latest angst downtown in regards to the Nationals taking some of their business outside DC?

Steven Goff: Be nice!

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Denver, CO: In most sports, championships are built on D. It seems like every offseason the United always go looking for that great South American forward or mid-fielder to stun the MLS. They struck again with Emilio! How do you think a stud defensive player would have helped us this past season? Are they available in South America for a reasonable price?

Steven Goff: United has three good central defenders -- Boswell, McTavish and Vanney. What they need is one great one (like Ryan Nelsen a few years ago). I would not be surprised if United went out and got one this winter, whether through a trade (not a lot of options, however) or more likely from overseas.

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Bethesda, Maryland: If Chicago wins tomorrow, do you think the disappointment of United not being in MLS Cup can be soothed by abusing Cuauhtemoc Blanco?

Steven Goff: Blanco would certainly spice up MLS Cup with his theatrics. He's a natural villain.

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parsippany,nj: Any word on Gomez contract status?

Steven Goff: Talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks. The last offer from United was 325K per year, guaranteed for two years. Not a bad deal for a player late in his career.

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Foggy Bottom: Steve, any chance of Bruce Arena ending up back where he belongs, at DC United? I know that wouldn't be fair to Mr. Soehn, but such is life. It would be great to have a long-term coach (a la Sir Alex Ferguson) here for years to come, and Bruce seems like the best candidate.

Steven Goff: Soehn's job is safe. I don't think you will see Bruce back here. Frankly, I don't know how much interest Bruce has in coaching in MLS again.

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Annapolis, MD: Hey Steven

Is DC still in the running for Juan Veron?

Steven Goff: Absolutely.

One of his representatives was apparently in Washington last week to meet United front office folks. Whether they can reach a deal remains to be seen, but the feeling around the team and the league is that D.C. has a good chance to sign him this winter.

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Washington DC: I read that Lalas mentioned Mourinho and Klinsman as possible successors. Not a chance!

Steven Goff: Mourinho's name comes up a lot, but the price tag would be enormous. Klinsmann makes some sense because of his California residence and his relationship with the Galaxy and MLS, but he might want to pursue a job in Europe.

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Piney Orchard: Goffer

With the disappointment that United is out of the playoffs can we still expect to see a good sized crowd? I'm going and with United out find myself in the odd situation of rooting for somekind of interesting matchup though right now I'm not sure who I want to see play in the cup.

My chime for the expansion draft. With Gros about to retire no brainer to leave unprotected, but I do think as hard as it is, its time to part with Moreno

Steven Goff: As of 10 days ago, MLS had sold 30,000 tickets for the Cup -- an impressive figure. United in the final would have guaranteed a sellout of 46,000+. Now, I think 40,000 is a realistic goal.

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My Desk: Okay ... would you have called the hand ball on Gomez?

Steven Goff: Yes.

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Alexandria, VA: As you reported on Saturday, Kevin Payne called out some unnamed players on the backline for not stepping up to the plate when it counted. Who do you think he was singling out -- Boswell, Vanney, both?

Steven Goff: I think he was blaming all of 'em for one lapse or another. In general, the club expected more from Boswell this year.

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Florida: Suppose a prominent politician threatened you with waterboarding unless you offered your well-informed speculation on the following question: Who will no longer on the DC United roster next season? What would you say? You may begin your answer: "Well, Mr Vice President..."

Steven Goff: But will I be confirmed by Congress?!

Several reserves probably won't return: Crowe, Mupier, North...

I'm curious to see if Moose and deRoux are around next year.

Among the big names, Vanney will need to take a pay cut, I'm guessing, to stay. Boswell or Carroll could end up in San Jose through the expansion draft. Gomez is 50-50, Moreno uncertain.

It's going to be a busy winter...

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Birmingham, AL: How do you see the local DC teams faring in the NCAA tournament this year? Men's and women's.

Steven Goff: Maryland has rebounded from its mid-season slump and could win a few games in the NCAAs. Virginia is fading. Virginia Tech is for real. The Virginia women have a shot at the final four.

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parsippany,nj: Hello Steven,

Any idea on possible coaching candidates for the NY job? Any would there be any interest among MLS teams in acquiring Claudio Reyna?

Thanks

Steven Goff: I'd imagine Claudio will end his playing career in New York.

Coaching candidates: Matthaeus, Deschamps and Capello. (Just names floating around, nothing of substance to report)

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DC: In response to Piney Orchard, Houston v Chicago is the best, no? Both have slashing attacks, we can look to huge Mexican attendance to root for Blanco, and we can add to the atmosphere by booing every time he touches the ball......

Steven Goff: Not a big Mexican population in the Washington area (think Bolivian and Salvadoran), but Blanco is a draw to some extent. Indeed, Chicago vs. Houston is the most appetizing matchup, in my opinion.

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Bobbyboswell.com: Should I have taken the multi-year contract extension with significant raise last year? Am I on the way to San Jose? Will I ever be good enough to play for the USMNT or in Europe (I thought I would be a year ago)?

Steven Goff: Boswell turned down a contract extension (and raise) last year in order to have the freedom to leave MLS when his contract expires after the 2008 season. In the wake of his subpar season, his opportunities at the moment appear limited. However, if he's able to re-establish himself next season, whether here or in San Jose or elsewhere, he should be in position to play somewhere in Europe.

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Big Time: With all Bruce Arena has done since his United days and with the Nats..... could it be time he heads back to the college game? He could find a program somewhere and enjoy stellar recruiting based on his reputation while finding enjoyment in developing players...... like run a program in one of those prime beach locales.....Pepperdine???

Steven Goff: Not a bad thought.

I just wonder if he has the energy and patience for college recruiting and NCAA rules.

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Washington, DC: Hi Steve, I love Soccer Insider.

It seems possible that DC United will lose a striker or a defender in the expansion draft. Are they pursuing players to fill the potential gap? If Gomez leaves, would they maybe use his senior internations slot to sign a striker or defender?

Steven Goff: It's possible Gomez will leave and Veron will arrive. It's possible Gomez will stay and Veron will sign. It's possible Gomez leaves, Veron signs and the club signs a forward to complement Emilio. So many scenarios, too early to say what is going to unfold. Regardless, I think you will see several significant changes by next spring.

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D.C.: Will the Wizards relocate from Kansas City? Where do you see MLS expanding in the future?

Steven Goff: Yes, sort of, they are relocating to the suburbs (in Kansas) for the next two years while Arrowhead is being renovated. The club's new ownership has been exploring new stadium options in the K.C. area, and unless they fail, I'd imagine the team will remain there for years to come.

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Starbucks, Penn QTR: Gofferino,

Thoughts on how MLS is going to address the dilution of talent as a result of expansion?

Steven Goff: There are thousands of players worldwide who are capable of playing in MLS. I don't think expansion affects MLS like it does, say, baseball (which has a limited player pool).

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Washington, D.C.: Funny that a reader should mention that Kevin Payne called out some defenders for not stepping up on the back line. I've been meaning to call out Kevin Payne for not being successful at securing the stadium deal in D.C. Fair or not fair?

Steven Goff: Probably not fair. Defending well for 90 minutes is a little easier than securing a major business deal with the District of Columbia. Having said that, time is running out: United needs to finalize a deal with the city soon or make plans to move to the suburbs. (Prince George's County is the site I'm hearing.)

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Largo, MD: So, is there some tension or unhappiness between Bobby Boswell and the club, contract unhappiness or something?

Steven Goff: The club was disappointed in his play this year. Boswell was disappointed in being benched. That's the extent of it, as far as I know. It will be interesting to see if United protects him in the expansion draft.

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Silver Spring, MD: What are the chances Jaimi stays with the United? Can't imagine too many clubs interested in him at his age.

Steven Goff: Yeah, I hear ya. If Moreno leaves United, I'd imagine it would be to play in another country. Considering the budget constraints, I don't think many MLS clubs would be willing to pay him 200K or more.

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Washington, DC: Hi Steve. Soccer Insider rules - keep up the great work!

Did Cory Gibbs catch Chronic Injury Syndrome (aka "Michael Owen's Disease") from John O'Brien during training camp for the 2006 World Cup? Will he ever see the field again? If so, will it be with Charlton? What would it cost an MLS team to take a gamble on him?

Steven Goff: I haven't followed Gibbs's career since the injuries.

If he wants to play in MLS, he'd have to agree to a very modest contract.

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Washington, D.C.: Seems like D.C.'s biggest challenge is learning to play in an elimination context. We do great over the course of a long season, but we choke when it is single elimination. We even did okay in Superliga until the single elimination stage.

How do we cure THAT?

Steven Goff: Good question.

Indeed, United has struggled in two-game situations (Champions' Cup, Sudamericana, playoffs, etc).

I don't know if there is an answer, other than to improve the team and find players who intensively influence matches.

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Brooklyn, N.Y.: Do you see MLS granting D.C. any allocation money for either Gomez or Moreno if they leave?

Steven Goff: Gomez would be out of contract, so no allocation money there. If the club declines the option on Moreno's contract, they won't be entitled to anything. If Moreno signs overseas soon, perhaps they would receive some cash.

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Warrenton, Va.: Does United have any other stadium plans besides Poplar Point?

Steven Goff: They are holding out hope that the city will agree to allow them to build at Poplar Point. They are also waiting for the city to suggest alternative sites. Beyond that, from what I understand, the club has been in touch with officials in Maryland about possibly building in Prince George's County.

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Washington, DC: Which DC United player will surprise us the most next season? (in a good or bad way)

Steven Goff: Kpene has the POTENTIAL to be a very good MLS player, but needs to learn how to finish opportunities at the pro level (he was a great scorer in college). The question is whether he will receive the playing time to prove himself, especially if United signs another forward.

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River Place, Arlington: What's the status on locations outside (or inside) of the District for the home of United?

And I'm not jumping the Bean Town bandwagon - but I'm pulling for the Revs - Steve Nicol and that group don't deserve to be the Buffalo Bills. (Any chance he'll replace Rafa?)

Thanks for all your dedication - you are a master of your craft, a gentleman, and a scholar.

Steven Goff: Many thanks.

As a native New Englander, I take great pleasure in the success of the Sox, Pats and Celtics. I'm indifferent about the Revs since soccer is my beat.

Don't be surprised if Chicago wins at Foxborough tomorrow.

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Fairfax: Are you still going to do the Insider blog after the MLS season?

Steven Goff: But of course! It's the Soccer Insider, not the United or MLS Insider.

The MLS offseason will be hectic (trades, signings, departures, draft, etc), the national teams will start up again in January, we've got Euro video highlights to share...

It never ends...

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Blacksburg, Va.: Do MLS clubs have personnel dedicated to scouting prospects (college, club, or other)?

Steven Goff: Assistant coaches are often in charge of domestic scouting, such as colleges. The ACC tournament usually attracts a number of head and assistant coaches. Everyone, obviously, is at the MLS scouting combine in January.

As for international scouting, each team is different. United has an office at RFK lined with TVs and DVD players, taping machines and editing technology, in order to build a library on players around the world who may someday be available.

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Steven Goff: That's it, gotta run.

As always, thanks for the questions.

Later...

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