D.C. United has reached the midway point of training camp, three weeks down and three weeks to go until the March 3 opener against MLS Cup champion Atlanta at Audi Field.
The roster has taken shape with the arrival of a much-needed right back, but there remains an inescapable vacancy in the front-line corps, some concern about the back line and a general need to fill several openings.
The organization weathered a transfer storm involving its exciting central midfielder, but now contract issues with that playmaker have moved to the forefront and, without a resolution before Opening Day, could end up causing a distraction.