Camp began this year not only without Hamid, but without any of the four guards who saw action in 2022. He will compete for a starting gig against Toronto FC in the MLS opener on April 25. two free agent signs and a candidate is promoted from the second second of Britain. the division of
“You’re not trying to take down somebody who’s had a job for years, who’s a fan favorite, who’s really loved by the guys,” Alex Bono said. “All three of our new boards are coming in.”
Hamet and United parted ways after an injury-shortened 2022 season, ending the second-longest tenure by a DC player (behind Jaime Moreno) and a 290-game, 80-shutout career, including the playoffs. The 32-year-old remains at large.
Bono, 28, arrived after eight seasons in Toronto, where he started 48 games the previous two years. Tyler Miller, 29, signed with Minnesota for 30 seasons in 2021 and lost his starting job last year. Louis Zamudio, 24, was the first keeper of the Loudoun Britons last year while the DC team was practicing regularly.
When the camp opened, Coach Wayne Rooney and goalkeepers coach Diego Restrepo declared No. 1 slot there for capture. Miller and Bono started the preseason together. Zamudio was under half in both, then started the 45-minute game.
“For them, about minutes, and whether it’s the next game or the game after, they’ll know who’s going to be the starting goalkeeper,” Rooney said. “I have one in mind, but with the guys and with [Restrepo] and from there they would decide. “
Indeed, in the preseason opener next week, Miller seems to have the edge. But Bono’s experience and Zamudio’s power left the race open.
“Wayne told us anyone can play,” Zamudio said. “He doesn’t care how old we are. It’s a game that he thinks is the best.”
Miller brought him a full signature. The summer after his freshman year at Northwestern, he was invited to practice wrestling with Britannia at RFK Stadium. For his career, he took him from the reserves in Seattle to, through the expansion draft, starting the job with Los Angeles FC in 2018 and 2019. He was traded to Minnesota in 2020 and started in 2021 before Dwayne St. Clair would return next year. .
With Miller not playing, the United States sought a trade last summer as Hamid recovered from hand surgery and replaced him with neither Rafael Romo nor Jon Kempin. Instead, DC struck a deal with Salt Lake City’s David Ochoa, who signed a highly regarded deal last year.
Offseason negotiations with Ochoa fizzled and on the first day of free agency, Miller said he received a call from top executive Jason Levien, Rooney and two other members of his technical staff to join him at United.
“I never got that kind of treatment,” said Miller, who signed a two-year deal. “It’s a simple thing, but it goes a long way.”
A good season with Toronto — which included 135 appearances in the regular season and in the playoffs — wound up in the backfield most recently.
‘It makes sense on both sides to move on,’ says Bono, adding that there is no simultaneity.
He said he had gotten into free agency while others slowly approached him, but “I felt really lucky that DC wanted me.”
Zamudio’s journey began in the youth academy at Club América in Mexico. In 2019, he made first team matchday squads for three Liga MX matches. His parents are from Mexico, but he was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Las Vegas.
He played for US second- and third-division clubs before Loudoun last year. Thanks to regular sessions with DC, “I knew I was on their radar,” he said. “I knew if I performed well, I could be considered a powerful first team player.”
When the first season ended, he was offered an MLS contract.
Preseason competition candidates not only to save and organize the defense, but to promote the attack in a higher field by playing, taking chances and using the feet to distribute quickly.
“I’m aggressive,” Miller said. “Lamo is going to play high, and Wayne, it’s a step further. It took a while, but I really feel like I got it right. The great thing about it is: if you’re wrong, it’s okay. Read the game and don’t be afraid.”
“He wants us to be the strongest,” Zamudio added.
The goal of all three should be on the line later this month at Audi Field. For Bono, that’s against his former club.
“Something added to the case,” he said with a smile. “It’s just a little bit more pressing to pursue that position, because I’m sure it’s unfinished business. Love playing for your old team and try to stick with them.”
Notes: Poland striker Mateusz Klich received his attention and arrived in camp late on Tuesday. He is set to debut on Monday against Los Angeles FC. …
Christian Benteke and Chris Durkin scored in the 3-2 loss to Charlotte FC on Wednesday. Then, in a 45-minute session using first-game subs, United played to a 1-1 draw with Vancouver. Rookie Aidan Rocha (Georgetown) scored.
