Caught in Possession

Just for all you hard-core info junkies out there, I present a few odds and ends from the DC United camp...

Dan Stratford bonus quotes

On his recent move into a 3-bedroom apartment with teammates Quavas Kirk and Jose Carvallo:
It’s working pretty well actually, we’re all pretty laid-back so no one’s really complaining too much when we make a little bit of mess! No, it’s been pretty good, it’s worked out quite nicely.

On how his choice of roommates affects his musical development:
I’m very eclectic so I’ll listen to pretty much anything. Most of the times it’s either R&B hip-hop because I’m Quavas’ car, or some Latino salsa when I’m in Jose’s car, so it just depends on who drives in to training in the morning.

On versatility:
They’ve not looked at me in a great deal of other positions, to be honest, which has surprised me a little. I have been used in the past with previous clubs as more of a utility player, especially at Fulham. I fulfilled a number of roles at Fulham, and in my first year or two at college I did as well. I don’t think it’s defensive midfield and that’s it for me. I think I could play outside midfield, maybe right back, or maybe a more advanced role in midfield. I wouldn’t mind. I think it’s good to have a little bit of versatility and I’d be more welcome to the opportunity to play anywhere, to be honest, right now.

On his desire to break into the first team:
It can get frustrating, you always want to be contributing and feel like you’re part of the team. But there’s a lot of quality in this team and we are a deep squad. So you’ve got to bide your time and wait for your opportunity, and then hopefully when it comes I do my best to take it.

Oh, and this...Francis Doe was far from talkative the other day, but he did divulge a few semi-intriguing thoughts about his two previous US clubs...

Comparing the United coaching staff to Minnesota's:
It’s a big difference. Minnesota Thunder is an A-league team, you know. Even though an A-league team can have an experienced coach, what I saw from the coaches here in the training session was a little bit different. This is more professional.

On his unceremonious departure from Red Bull New York, thanks to Juan Carlos Osorio:
Yeah, I’m frustrated with how things went, because the new coach, he just came in and did his own thing. I’m a little bit frustrated.

On the upcoming schedule for the Liberian National team, for which Doe has been a regular contributor:
Yes. They sent me a fax already, to go to the [friendly] game on Sunday, next Sunday. But I can’t go because of my [visa] status right now: they’re working on my papers.