When you look at D.C. United’s roster, and you remember how the team roared through the late stages of the 2018 regular season, and you realize the nucleus has returned and a few key pieces have been added, you cannot help but think Coach Ben Olsen is working with a winner.
He has the English superstar and the Argentine playmaker — a duo affectionately known as “Lucharoo” — to go with a deep midfield, an experienced back line (n.), back-line (adj.) and a big-time goalkeeper.
But in the lead-up to Sunday night’s season opener at Audi Field against MLS Cup champion Atlanta, Olsen was both buying and dismissing the hype.