D.C. United Update (Notes on Colorado match, Szetela and more)

By TRAVIS CLARK

It's been 11 days since their last competitive match, and with the Colorado Rapids heading to the nation's capital on Saturday, D.C. United will be anxious to be back home for their first league match at RFK since June 13. Their home record of 4-0-4 leaves a bit more points on the table than most team's would prefer, but they remain right in the thick of things in what is becoming a tightly-contested Eastern Conference.

Revenge will be on the docket as well, with the corresponding fixture in Colorado having been all Rapids, as two goals and an assist from Omar Cummings doomed United to a 3-0 defeat back on June 20. With Jamaica failing to secure passage into the Gold Cup quarterfinals, it is likely that the speedy attacker will be available to wreak havoc on a depleted United back line.

More important than revenge is ending their tendency to tie at home. As previously mentioned, D.C. has tied half of their games in front of the RFK faithful. While that hasn't killed their standing, it's no secret that come playoff time, it would be a tremendous boost to be the higher seed.

Here are some other D.C. United notes:

Player Movement

There is plenty, and with the MLS transfer window now open, it looks likely that more moves on the cards, even after the addition of Danny Szetelathis week. The release of goalie Louis Crayton and defender Anthony Peters last month, combined with the season-ending injury to rookie midfielder Brandon Barklage, leaves United with two open roster spots.

That prospect certainly means GM Dave Kasper will have a busy month ahead of him, as the front office continues to look for depth in the defense and midfield. At this point, it looks like the team will stick with just two goalies, as the revitalized Josh Wicks is the number one choice. Second-round pick Milos Kocic continues to serve as his backup, and has played well in the team's U.S. Open Cup run.

U.S. Open Cup Defense

To this point, United has enjoyed a successful defense of their 2008 U.S. Open Cup triumph. On Tuesday, July 21, they'll face the last non-MLS team in the tournament when the Rochester Rhinos visit the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Md for the semifinals. Tuesday's match could also feature the United debut of Szetela, who, according to the team's blog, will be unavailable this weekend because the team has yet to receive his International Transfer Certificate.

It's interesting to note that United has yet to play a U.S. Open Cup match on the road -- and if they win against the Rhinos, they'll also get to host the final at RFK Stadium in early September. The lack of travel has surely aided United's defense, especially when you consider how often MLS teams struggle on the road against lower opposition.

Gold Cup Duty

With Gold Cup group play now completed, Santino Quaranta and Dejan Jakovic remain on national team duty as both Canada and the U.S. qualifying for the quarterfinals. Both will be in Philadelphia on Saturday, as the U.S. face Panama and Canada takes on Honduras. Jakovic, who started Canada's first two group matches, will likely be in the starting lineup at Lincoln Financial Field. Quaranta has enjoyed a tremendous comeback to the national team, earning two starts and scoring against Honduras.

These are two who have been immense for United in 2009, and the sooner they return, healthy and in one piece, the better.

Who else should D.C. make a move for during the transfer season? Think they'll successfully defend their U.S. Open Cup title? Will United get the win this weekend against Colorado?