Having embraced a more attack-minded identity, D.C. United is building a young core ahead of opening a soccer-specific stadium in 2018.
2017 MLS SEASON PREVIEW
WASHINGTON — Some 18 months ago, the D.C. United brass laid out a roadmap.
Since Ben Olsen took over as coach midway through the 2010 season, the club had stuck to variations of a direct 4-4-2 system. After a dismal 2013 campaign, United sought a quick fix by investing in MLS stalwarts who fit the bill for Olsen's blue-collar approach.
The results of "Benny Ball," as fans came to call it, were inarguable — United finished first in the Eastern Conference in 2014.