United expect stern test in Honduras
While most MLS squads are gradually building towards their regular season openers in April, the Black-and-Red had less than three weeks to prepare for the early start dictated by international competition and match fitness is clearly a concern for head coach Tom Soehn and his staff.
"I haven't sat these guys out so that they had fresh legs for a game yet," said Soehn, who rested several starters in United's final preseason scrimmage on Sunday. "The first time we'll do that is against Olimpia, so I really haven't seen the full potential for where we're at. I'm going to evaluate that as the game goes on."
Founded in 1912, Olimpia are perennial contenders in the Honduran top flight and have won the Champions Cup twice, last in 1988. Soehn expects a strong challenge from "Los Leones" (the Lions), who are already seven games into the second half of their domestic season.
"I know they can play, and they're athletic," he said. "They're obviously going to be in better shape than we are, because they've got a few games under their belt."
Nonetheless, the first-year head coach says he won't be stifling United's ambitious attacking philosophy.
"We're going to play our game," explained Soehn. "We're a team that looks to possess the ball and counter when we get a chance, or create things through our flanks. I don't think any of that is going to change. Obviously, every game you do what you need to do to win, and given our opportunities, we're going to try to do that. But we're not going to throw caution to the wind and expose ourselves."
D.C. will look for a strong performance from new striker Luciano Emilio, who finds himself in an unusual position as he makes his United debut against his former team. The Brazilian's knowledge and experience could prove essential in a pressure-packed cup tie.
"Our veteran guys know what it's about," said Soehn, "and obviously, adding Luciano, who's been in there - especially in that stadium - you're adding a guy who is seasoned and knows what it takes to win games like that."
The well-traveled target man is developing a strong understanding with fellow striker Jaime Moreno and playmaker Christian Gomez, fuelling high hopes he can provide the missing link for United's championship aspirations.
"So far it's working OK," said Moreno, "But we know that we can do better things, so we'll have time for that. He's a guy that can hold the ball, so definitely it's going to be an important role for us, so he can hold the ball and try to play balls for other guys coming forward. And also he's a natural goalscorer."
Soehn has been impressed with Emilio's quick adaptation to life at United, both on the field and in the locker room.
"He's been with us now for what, two or three weeks, and it seems like he's been with us for two years," Soehn said. "He's fit in very well with our guys with his personality, and obviously the soccer part is very good. He's going to be an asset for us. I've really seen the guys now start to understand the way he plays, and how he fits into our system."
United struggled in this competition two years ago, when Mexican side Pumas UNAM took advantage of a strong home-field advantage in Mexico City to dispatch the then-reigning MLS champions, and the environment at Olimpia's Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino is expected to be similarly daunting.
"Yeah, I'm planning for the worst, to be honest with you," said goalkeeper Troy Perkins. "Bags of whatever-you-can-think-of getting thrown at you, and every possible terrible thing that can be said to you as well. But you've got to expect that and be able to play through it."
Soehn believes such an intense setting will actually inspire his charges more than it intimidates, especially United's veteran mainstays.
"We've got a very senior team that's been through games like this, and they know what to expect," he said. "I think in a lot of respects, these are the type of games that you thrive to play in. We're excited about this kind of opportunity."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
