Steve Goff Interview

Hey Steven, myself, as a DC United fan and blogger, and DC United fans are grateful you taking the time to answer some questions. We all appreciate the work you do.

B&R: There are a few reporters who follow United, but you provide the most encompassing coverage, year round. Do you prefer being the big dog on a particular beat, or having a competitive situation with numerous colleagues from other papers?

Steve Goff: It doesn't matter to me. I go about my job the same way, whether I'm the only reporter (as is the case with DCU away matches) or among several. My job is broader than DCU, so besides covering the team on a regular basis, I also try to break stories involving other MLS teams, contribute to the Freedom coverage and follow the national team, particularly in a World Cup year.

B&R: What has been the most memorable moment you have had in your time covering United?

SG: I don't know if I could pinpoint one particular moment, but the first MLS Cup was special because of the comeback, the extra-time drama, the weather, the setting. The most emotional game was probably the 1998 final, Bruce Arena's last in league competition.

B&R: United has had some colorful characters come through their roster, who would you say you have had the most "interesting" professional relationship with?

SG: Ben Olsen has been the most enjoyable to cover because conversation often went beyond soccer and turned to politics, movies, family, etc. Hristo Stoitchkov had the fiercest presence (on and off the field). Freddy Adu was intriguing because of his age and the massive expectations surrounding him. Ray Hudson was a hoot -- greatest quote ever: In describing Dema Kovalenko's disposition, "He would stab his grandmother in the eye for another bowl of porridge."

B&R: What do you see, from your objective standpoint, as the biggest weakness for the team going in to next season?

SG: United addressed the goalkeeping situation, so that's one issue resolved. The club needs another center back, a true central midfielder (assuming Gomez does not return) and perhaps another forward. Bryan Namoff is a concern because of post-concussion issues.

B&R: As someone who follows MLS closely and has spoken with many officials for the league, what is seen as the next "big" step for MLS?

SG: The next step should be greater investment in players. You get what you pay for, and with the salary cap as tight as it is, the quality of play is limited. Until MLS is able to retain American players (instead of losing them to second-tier European leagues) with better compensation and attract more well-known internationals, it will remain what it is today: a good league, not a great league.

Thanks again for participating Steven. We all look forward to your continued coverage of United and soccer throughout the world (but particularly United)!!!