Well, at least that's what this dcunited.com article makes it seem. Pat Onstad, the legendary MLS goalie and current D.C. United head coach, will instead maybe become the team's starting goalie at the ripe age of 43. Via Alex Caulfield of dcunited.com.
↵↵↵"Pat is our best option in goal right now for the situation we're in," said Olsen. "Pat is an extremely experienced player that can bring stability to our backline - we are very lucky to have him."
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It's a little unclear whether Olsen means that Onstad will go straight from being an assistant coach to being a starter or whether he's just the best option to provide depth at the position, but the whole thing does seem a little out of left field. Even Caulfield admits that this decision "comes as a surprise to all involved."
↵Granted, D.C. United needed another goalie after the offseason trade of Troy Perkins and the injury last week to Steve Cronin. But promoting an assistant coach and making him a player/coach, especially one like Onstad who would immediately become the oldest player in MLS, is certainly an odd move. Who knows? Maybe Olsen himself will put on the Black and Red if injuries strike in the midfield.
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