In the parity-obsessed league that is Major League Soccer, it can be extremely difficult for teams to replicate their strengths year on year. With salary caps and roster designations restricting the investments that teams can make in their players, there is an equal limitation placed on their ability to keep their talent.
But as teams looks to sustain their success, year on year, there is an increasing need to protect the positions that they are strong in while investing in their weaknesses. For D.C. United, that is the defence.
Ben Olsen’s team were excellent at the back last season, conceding just 38 goals across the campaign, the second-best figure in MLS behind only Los Angeles FC.