D.C. unloads Young DP Rafael
- by Soccer America , Jun 26, 2013
After scoring in his MLS debut, a 2-1 loss to Columbus, Rafael -- D.C. United's first Young Designated Player signing -- went scoreless in his next six appearances for D.C. United.
“We thought he would be further along at this point of the season in his adaptation and development,” D.C. general manager Dave Kaspar said about Rafael in a Q&A on the club’s Web site. “Additionally, Casey Townsend has come into the picture recently with solid play, and Rafa lost playing time as a result. We did not see this changing. In the end, with a looming decision on a big transfer payment for a player on loan, we felt it would be wiser to look to invest funds toward players elsewhere.”
Marcos Sanchez, the only other first-year import to play for D.C. United, lasted less than three months before he was waived, though he started for Panama against the United States in their recent World Cup qualifier.
It wasn't a 13 game unbeaten streak. It was a 13 game winless streak.
This problem goes back to the Kevin Payne era also. Something is really flawed with this club's scouting department. The reason they have been down more often than not the last years is the talent level.
Kevin, concur. Olsen is a passionate player and coach, but injuries and a skimpy roster to begin with make things difficult. But their recent results, 3-1-1 in last 5 games, do lend some ray of hope. However, the loss of Najar seems glaring ...