Sports

BY ALEXANDRA CALAMARI

Ben Olsen For anyone who thinks soccer is just for those across the pond, head to Washington, DC’s Robert F. Kennedy Stadium during a DC United match and listen to the cheers and jeers coming from the stands. They’re rooting for players like team captain Ben Olsen, a 10-year Major League Soccer veteran who has made one trip to the World Cup and two to the MLS Cup. Here, he chats about his career, team and why—despite what many think—there are soccer fans in the US.

What are some of your predictions for this season? “I think we’re going to be an interesting team to watch. We’re going to be fun, we’re going to be entertaining, and we’ve got a lot of opportunity to make a big splash this year.”

You recently switched positions from midfi elder to right wing. How are you liking the change? “It gives me more freedom out there. I’ve always done better in situations where I’ve been able to be a little bit more unpredictable. I can say I love to play defense all I want, but it’s still nice to get around the goal and be part of that action… where the winning stuff happens.”

Are there any language barriers with your teammates? (DC United has eight players from South America and one from Russia.) “It’s amazing how much you can communicate with a guy in the locker room and on the fi eld even though you don’t speak the same language.
Everyone speaks the language of soccer and knows what it’s like to be a pro, to play on a pro team, to be in locker rooms, and the culture of the sport.”

How has David Beckham’s arrival in America influenced Major League Soccer? “He brings the star factor. He’s a world-class player, and he believes in this league. He brings more exposure to the league, which helps us out, but I hope it brings more exposure to other players, too… so we can start creating more American stars as well.”

Will Americans ever really embrace soccer? “Of course. It’s just a matter of time. Soccer is a global sport, we’re a global country, and we’re getting more global by the day. It’s just common sense that this league is going to be one of the biggest leagues in the world, but again I think there’s an impatience about the sports world in this country… It might not happen in fi ve or 10 years, but it’s gonna happen.”

Why should someone check out a DC United game?

“The atmosphere is unlike any other sporting event in the country; it really is. It is, for me, the best soccer venue in the states, and the passion of the fans creates an atmosphere that’s second to none. Not to mention we’re a pretty good team as well.”

SPORTING EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY 11-15

MLB All-Star Game

Yankee Stadium • New York

Baseball’s greatest will send “The House that Ruth Built” out with a bang. The rookie game and home run derby, leading up to the big event on July 15, will also elicit cheers.

JULY 20

The ESPYs Nokia

Theater • Los Angeles

Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back to the sporting world as he hosts the 16th annual ESPYs, honoring fan favorite players and moments—both awe-inspiring and funny—from the past year.

JULY 26

Allstate 400 at the Brickyard

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Tony Stewart will try for his third win in Indianapolis, but he’ll have to edge out four-time Allstate champion Jeff Gordon. After the checkered flag drops, the Goo Goo Dolls will keep engines revved with an infi eld show.