roster

With players reporting to Washington this week for physicals and meetings, we take a look at the D.C. United roster ahead of training camp, which begins in earnest next week. Other trialists might join the group soon. Meantime, the hunt for the elusive international goal scorer continues. The MLS roster limit has increased to 30 from 24, but clubs are not required to fill every slot.

GOALKEEPERS (4)

Bill Hamid: 20-year-old academy grad with a season of experience returns from shoulder surgery (read my feature story about his physical and mental maturation)
Steve Cronin: solid second-tier keeper acquired in Troy Perkins trade with Portland, will compete for starting job
Chase Harrison*: Virginia Tech grad was with DCU late in 2010
Joe Willis*: 6-foot-5 third-round draft pick from U of Denver

DEFENDERS (10)

Dejan Jakovic: Canadian center back in third season with DCU
Rodrigo Brasesco: Uruguayan on loan plays in middle and right
Jed Zayner: outside back made good impression late last year
Perry Kitchen: No. 3 overall draft pick from NCAA champion Akron and U.S. u-20s, brings bite to middle, also plays in midfield
Marc Burch: recovered from foot injury; left back and cover in middle
Julius James: center back made strides last season
Devon McTavish: utility veteran plays on right, provides central cover
Daniel Woolard: Outside back formerly with Chicago
Ethan White: homegrown center back from U of Maryland, U.S. U-20s
Chris Korb*: Left and right back chosen in second round from Akron

MIDFIELDERS (10)

Branko Boskovic: Designated player acquired 2010 midseason is comfortable on the left and in the middle, needs to make greater impact
Dax McCarty: Starter for MLS Cup finalist Dallas, immediate starter in middle as a two-way player, currently in U.S. national team camp
Andy Najar: 2010 MLS rookie of year can play either wing
Santino Quaranta: veteran on the left, right or up top
Clyde Simms: starting defensive midfielder in seventh season
Kurt Morsink: gritty central player started 18 matches
Stephen King: central player made 16 starts in 2010
Junior Carreiro: young reserve flank player
Conor Shanosky: homegrown prospect plays centrally
Brandon Barklage*: hoping to return from second ACL injury

FORWARDS (5)

Chris Pontius: 2009 rookie gem returning from hamstring surgery
Josh Wolff: U.S. World Cup veteran claimed in re-entry draft from K.C.
Joseph Ngwenya: claimed in re-entry draft from Houston
Abe Thompson*: U of Maryland, six years' pro experience
Blake Brettschneider*: Supplemental draft pick from South Carolina

*on trial