Confetti swirled around the 2004 MLS Cup champions, sticking to Nick Rimando’s forehead, still damp from the the exertion of the match. Behind him stood Mike Petke, championship hat already on his head.
Thus started a process both were familiar with: renegotiating pre-established relationships. New boundaries rose up in an unspoken understanding between player and coach. Rimando and Petke will reminisce with D.C. coach Ben Olsen about their playing days together at D.C. United leading up to their upcoming matchup Saturday, but Rimando and Petke aren’t grabbing drinks together after games.
“If you were fraternizing, if you’re crossing certain lines, it makes it much more difficult for you to get your point across and get that respect from a coaching standpoint,” Petke said.