D.C. United Roster Takes Shape as Team Preps for Season

What a difference a couple of weeks makes. Last time we checked in on D.C. United, there was still plenty of uncertainty as to how the team would fill a bevy of open roster spots. There were other unresolved issues as well -- injuries, contract negotiations and even the remote possibility that the team would for the first time in its history call somewhere other than RFK stadium its home.

Just two weeks later, the roster has almost completely taken shape. Up top, an already potent group of offensive weapons has only grown stronger. Joining the squad is D.C. United's newest designated player Hamdi Salihi, who most recently spent time in the Austrian first division. Salihi's goal rate speaks for itself -- he's scored 163 times in 289 professional matches across all competitions. How he'll adapt to a new league and team remains to be seen, as the squad still awaits the approval of his work visa and arrival to training camp.

In the center of the pitch, D.C.'s midfield has been bolstered by this week's signing of former L.A. Galaxy and FC Dallas playmaker Marcelo Saragosa. Saragosa joins recent pick-up Danny Cruz in adding depth to an already experienced group of midfielders. In the rear, 6'4" Argentine Emiliano Dudar has been brought in at center back. Dudar's story is an interesting one -- he's just 18 months removed from being put in a medically induced coma after suffering a severe concussion. Dudar is currently recovering from an ankle sprain but should be back soon. He'll look to help anchor the back line along with MLS vet Robbie Russell, who will also don the black and red for the first time this year.

There seems to be little to worry about in the net, as Bill Hamid has a solid back-up in Joe Willis. The number three spot in goal seems to belong to trialist Andrew Dykstra for the time being.

On the injury front, this week midfielder Chris Pontius participated in his first full training session since his season-ending tibia injury in 2011, while Defender Ethan White is also back after recovering from a PCL tear. Veteran forward Josh Wolff continues to recover from a stress fracture in his foot and hopes to be back at full strength soon.

Another big question mark that looks headed towards a resolution is whether we'll see 2011 MVP Dwayne De Rosario in a D.C. United kit beyond 2012. The club has said repeatedly during the offseason that securing a multi-year deal for "DeRo" is a top priority. All parties involved seem to think a deal is eminent, and there's buzz out of DCU's camp in Arizona that a deal may be announced as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.

The team's stadium situation has, temporarily at least, stabilized. This past week we learned that the team will once again play its home games at RFK. While staying put in their current facility eliminates an unneeded distraction for the team, it's far from a permanent solution. The possibility of a move at season's end remains a very realistic possibility.

D.C. United will remain in its Scottsdale, Arizona-based training camp through the middle of the month. While there, they'll meet both Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake in friendly matches. We'll check in with them upon their return and see how their preseason has continued to progress.

In the meantime, here's a picture from defender Ethan White of his D.C. United teammates in a kiddie pool after practice.