Possible United moves in the Offseason

Yesterday, Steven Goff of the Washington Post held an online chat concerning several wide ranging topics, mostly about DC United. After reading it, I wasn't surprised at what Steven had to say, but I did want to chime in on some of his points:

"Duff in D.C.: Assuming United has a successful playoff run -- which, for United, means winning the Cup -- which players stay and which players go in the offseason?

Steven Goff: For the most part, too early to say, but I can't imagine Nick Rimando will return next season. He's a proven MLS goalkeeper who rarely plays anymore because of Troy Perkins's emergence. Also, he makes too much money to be sitting on the bench.

The jury is still out on Donnet and Ssejjemba."

I agree that Nick is looking like the most likely to leave the club during this off season. We all should expect to see Pat Onstad move to Toronto, as they will be most likely recalling all MLS players with Canadian Passports to play for Toronto FC. So Houston will be most likely in the market for a new goal keeper.

I would have to say that depending on how this season plays out, and depending on how his off season is, we United supporters should really be prepared for Jaime Moreno to possibly hang up the boots before next season. At age 32 and dealing with late season leg issues, one has to wonder that if we win our 5th MLS Cup, would Jaime bring himself back for his 12th season? Will CONCACAF Champions Cup play and whatever the MLS vs. MFL tournament (if it starts next season) be enough to lure him back into the club again? I for one hope that as long as he is healthy, and can still get the job done, that he stays.

I do not want to see him flounder on the field and eat up salary cap space like El Diablo did in his last two years. Even when you could see that Marco's lost several steps, he was still out there on the field. No matter how much I loved seeing him rule the field, I honestly do believe that his retirement from MLS was one of the starting points for the resurgence of DC United. Anyways, back to Jaime, I hope that he can still play, because his play with Gomez is amazing and CONCACAF Champions Cup glory would be great for them.

As for the last part of Goff's statement, I would have to agree with him that both Donnet and Ssejjemba have really yet to prove themselves, but as they haven't been able to get much playing time in (Ssejjemba) and have only been with the club and with the playing system for just over a month (Donnet) I am willing to wait on these two guys. Donnet especially. From what I have seen of him, I think that he is a great addition to the club, especially when we know that the 1000 pound gorilla in the room, Freddy Adu's future transfer to Europe, is cashed in. We are going to need someone to take over for Freddy and having a skilled player, who plays the wings and is already in the club and plays the system, is priceless. Donnet, assuming he doesn't flame out like Lucio, should be with the club for a while.