Josh Wolff still is adjusting to his career's current duality. The part of a player-coach, he's come to learn, isn't one easily grasped. It takes time, awareness and an open mind.
As first-place United head to New York, they hold a three-point lead on the Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings. The players are well aware of the importance of this game and what it could mean right before the All-Star break in July.
Coach Ben Olsen often noted this past offseason that D.C. United's restructured roster, with substantially more depth and balance than in years past, sure looked good on paper. But in Saturday's 2-1 win at the New England Revolution, those qualities paid dividends where it matters most - on the field.
Every time Ben Olsen steps onto the practice field, he knows he can still play. No doubt about it.
With the acquisition earlier this month of Albanian striker Hamdi Salihi, D.C. United coach Ben Olsen believes the team finally has found a solution to its lack of production from that marquee position.
Despite a brave effort late in the game to try and pull out a win, D.C. United had to settle for a 1-1 tie with the visiting Portland Timbers on Wednesday, and with it, see the club's playoff hopes dashed.
D.C. United's 2011 campaign has been an up-and-down ride, to say the least.
For 67 minutes Saturday, D.C. United were clicking on all cylinders.
Substitute forward Josh Wolff scored in the 73rd minute to help D.C. United tie the Chicago Fire 1-1 on Thursday night.
