Quick Hits: D.C. United

2007 Record: 16-7-7, 55 points (1st in Eastern Conference)
GF: 56 (1st in MLS)
GA: 34 (3rd in MLS)
Finish: Lost in Conference Semifinal to Chicago Fire (3-2 on aggregate)

Head Coach: Tom Soehn (2nd year)
Key Departures: Christian Gomez, Bobby Boswell, Greg Vanney, Brian Carroll, Troy Perkins
Key Additions: Marcelo Gallardo, Jose Carvallo, Gonzalo Peralta, Franco Niell, Gonzalo Martinez

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

GOALKEEPER

Zach Wells: The tall netminder can call on four years of MLS experience and possesses all the tools to be a standout starter, but so far his path has been blocked by accomplished veterans in Houston and New York. United's coaching staff believes in his potential, but has also brought in young Peruvian international Jose Carvallo for competition and backup.

DEFENDERS

Bryan Namoff: It's hard to believe, but the Bradley University graduate is now an eight-year veteran with United and for the latter half of that period he's brought consistency and tenacity to the right back position. If he is sidelined by injury or suspension, Quavas Kirk and Devon McTavish can deputize.

Gonzalo Peralta: Big, strong and vocal, the Argentinean is well-equipped to become the star center back D.C. needs. His English isn't perfect, but he's comfortable enough to direct traffic in two languages and could pose an goalscoring threat on set pieces.

Gonzalo Martinez: United's other major defensive signing brings ample experience from his time in the Italian leagues and the Colombian national team. Fast and aggressive, he'll be expected to bail out his back line mates if and when opposing attackers get in behind the defense.

Marc Burch: The converted striker was a revelation at left back in 2007, showing an accurate left foot and an enterprising nose for getting forward in tandem with left midfielder Fred. His continued progress might even catch the eye of U.S. national team boss Bob Bradley.

MIDFIELDERS

Ben Olsen: Universally recognized as United's "heart and soul," Olsen hopes to continue the renaissance he enjoyed with a seven-goal, seven-assist campaign a year ago. But another bout with ankle troubles means that utility man Devon McTavish will man the right wing role for First Kick '08, with a long line of other contenders ready to step in as well.

Clyde Simms: The former Richmond Kickers star first drew notice as a potential U.S. national team replacement player in 2007, and continued his Cinderella story by fully displacing veteran Brian Carroll from United's holding midfield spot last season. Now it's his turn to be the incumbent and hold off a young challenger in the form of English rookie Dan Stratford.

Marcelo Gallardo: Eyebrows were raised when United responded to faltering contract negotiations with Christian Gomez by replacing the star No. 10 with a more expensive playmaker in Gallardo. But the Argentinean international seems to offer qualities more reminiscent of Black-and-Red legend Marco Etcheverry and if "El Muneco" can lead D.C. to the sort of dominance once inspired by "El Diablo," the front office will be all smiles.

Fred: The happy-go-lucky Brazilian took some time to get the hang of MLS -- and a new role on the left wing -- last year, but by the end of the season he'd shown the sparkling skill that made him the toast of the Australian league. To avoid the "sophomore slump," he'll need to score consistently and develop strong chemistry with playmaker Marcelo Gallardo.

FORWARDS

Jaime Moreno: A D.C. institution, fans can scarcely conceive of a United squad without the Bolivian. While advancing years and a deeper strike force may see the 12-year veteran's minutes trimmed back this season, his serene leadership remains pivotal.

Luciano Emilio: The well-traveled Brazilian more than justified the faith invested in him by Tom Soehn and Dave Kasper last year, leading the league in goals and earning MVP honors as he made "It's in the net!" his personal mantra. Can he reach the rarified 20-goal milestone again?

OUTLOOK
Team president Kevin Payne has made it clear that domestic, regional and even hemispheric dominance is D.C.'s goal, and to achieve that the Black-and-Red need to become more consistent and focused in the back, while maintaining the fluid, explosive offense that has become their hallmark. Baseball's departure means that RFK Stadium is back to being one of the finest playing surfaces in MLS and should continue to be one of the most imposing road destinations in the league.

GRADING THE SEASON
This diverse, cosmopolitan squad has been built for success both at home and abroad, and the Victor MacFarlane-led ownership group expects results from increased investment in foreign players like Gallardo. United must capture meaningful trophies in 2008 - period.

NEWCOMER(S) WITH THE BIGGEST IMPACT
United teams can be counted on for attractive possession and a fearsome attack, so the new 'Gonzalos' center back duo will play a crucial role in tightening up the defense so that striking arsenal can secure results. But the spotlight will shine brightest on Gallardo, who has the potential to outshine his more-hyped designated player counterparts around the league and lead D.C. back to the dizzying heights of dynasty.

-- Charles Boehm