Veterans Sean Franklin and Nick DeLeon will be getting looks at new positions in a D.C. United back line recently defined by continuity.
WASHINGTON — As D.C. United surged up the standings in the second half of 2016, defensive continuity and an attacking overhaul made for an effective combination.
While United's front six often entirely featured players in their first seasons with the club, D.C. stalwarts held down the fort in the back. Since the second half of 2014, in fact, coach Ben Olsen has leaned on the same first-choice defense: goalkeeper Bill Hamid, right back Sean Franklin, center backs Steve Birnbaum and Bobby Boswell, and left back Taylor Kemp.