United in California: Day 8

United set to face Chivas USA, Will Chang arrives in camp, and Chase Harrison moves on

Alex Caulfield

dcunited.com

Thursday, February 24, 2011 - 3:17pm

A group photo at last night's team barbeque

Oxnard, Calif.

CALIFORNIA WINDING DOWN

With only two days remaining on the West Coast, the Black-and-Red are excited to return home to Washington for a few days before departing once more for the Carolina Challenge Cup on March 3 in Charleston, S.C.

However, there is still one final task to complete before the team leaves California, with a training match against Chivas USA scheduled for Friday, February 25. This will be United?s first preseason contest against MLS opposition. Ben Olsen?s side has gone 5-0 thus far in exhibition matches against youth international sides and college teams. The Chivas game will begin at noon PT (3 PM ET) on Friday on the training fields of the Home Depot Center, and is not open to the public. dcunited.com will have live updates via Twitter.

HARRISON NO LONGER IN CAMP

With the MLS roster compliance deadline rapidly approaching, D.C. United continues to shape its squad ahead of the regular season opener on March 19 at home against the Columbus Crew. Goalkeeper Chase Harrison has departed California, leaving the Black-and-Red with four netminders in camp and three on the roster.

Steve Cronin is back in Washington rehabbing from a fractured wrist suffered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. in United?s first preseason camp. Following this injury, MLS veteran Pat Onstad stepped back into the breach to shore up United?s goalkeeping ranks. The 43-year-old Canadian is accompanied by Bill Hamid and 2011 third round MLS SuperDraft Selection Joe Willis in the club?s current camp.

TEAM BONDING

Last night United?s players and staff gathered at the home of some friends of Assistant Coach Chad Ashton for a team barbeque. Ben Olsen has gradually been bringing his players together off the field, with group exercises like bowling and team walks. Wednesday night was no different, and a good time was had by all.

United Executive Chairman Will Chang made the short flight down from his San Francisco home to observe training and attend the team meal. Chang will stay on with the team through the Chivas match on Friday before the club departs for the East Coast.�

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