WASHINGTON -- D.C. United aimed for the stars in the run-up to the 2008 season, signing a throng of South American talent -- led by designated player Marcelo Gallardo -- with an eye towards domestic dominance and success in international competition.
Four months into the campaign, a jaded-looking D.C. side found themselves beset by injuries, stuck in the middle of the competitive Eastern Conference and 0-for-2 in international tournaments. The club's first moves in response: grab two players from an expansion side -- the San Jose Earthquakes, far and away the league's biggest strugglers this year.
Some might have perceived "bargain-bin shopping," or even desperation, in the acquisitions of Joe Vide and Ivan Guerrero, but on the evidence of last Saturday's 2-0 victory against Kansas City, both acquisitions are paying early dividends. The duo added a timely dose of energy and intensity to the Black-and-Red midfield in what was the first United start for both men, with Guerrero roving the left flank and Vide anchoring the middle alongside Clyde Simms.
Both newcomers were aided by head coach Tom Soehn's straightforward, defensive-minded approach to the match -- and with an emphasis on steel over style, it certainly wasn't textbook United soccer. Vide's attributes were put to good use, however.
"I'm not going to be the guy that's going to beat people dribbling or passing the ball really so much. I turned the ball over a little too much today as it is," Vide said afterwards. "I just try to bring energy to the team, try to get stuck in and throw the opponents off their game and at the same time try to bring a little bite to the midfield."
For an inconsistent team missing key contributors during the most draining period of the season, such practicality might be the best way forward.
"When the team works that hard, it makes it easier on everyone to read plays and play off guys offensively," said goalkeeper Zach Wells. "We worked really hard defensively and stayed compact. I thought Joe Vide and Ivan did a really good job coming in, and made a difference for us. And we still got our two goals, so there's something to be said for that."
Vide's contribution belied an unassuming arrival in D.C. via the waiver wire on July 16, yet Guerrero's performance was even more remarkable given that his trade wasn't finalized until Thursday, giving him barely enough time for introductions before stepping directly into the first XI. The former Chicago Fire mainstay showed signs of a quick rapport with strikers Jaime Moreno and Luciano Emilio, beginning the sequence that led to Emilio's game-winning goal in the 28th minute.
"Ivan, we didn't have much time with, but he's got a great soccer intelligence," said Soehn. "When you make decisions on guys you bring in, you try to see them in your environment and Ivan, for him to step in our environment, it's a perfect situation for him."
Guerrero admitted that his sudden departure from northern California posed a challenge for him, his wife and their two children. But he remained philosophical about the move as he contemplated life with a club whose outlook and ambitions are far different from those of this year's Quakes.
"It's difficult, especially because I'm married and I'm missing my family," he said, "but this is business. You know the league -- today you are here and tomorrow you are not. But I'm happy because I know D.C. United is a big team. That's very important for me."
As for his chemistry with United's Latin American strike force, Guerrero made light of the challenge of meshing with their style despite having only one United training session under his belt.
"We know Jaime and Luciano are good players," said Guerrero. "It was a little difficult for me because I am new on the team, but I know how Luciano and Jaime play. It's simple: play on the ground and overlap."
Guerrero, presently residing in a hotel, is understandably anxious to find a home so his family can join him in the Washington area, while Vide considers his move a homecoming of sorts after stints in New York and San Jose. He's living with a friend in Georgetown and is familiar with the region after a collegiate career at the University of Virginia.
"I'm from the area, more or less -- grew up in North Carolina and went to school in Virginia," he said. "So I know a lot of people around here. I'm really happy to be back on the East Coast, my family's around here so I'm really excited."
If their contributions can revive United's title hopes down the stretch, Vide and Guerrero could have ample opportunity to get comfortable in D.C. for the years ahead.
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