D.C. United General Manager and Vice President of Soccer Operations spoke with dcunited.comfollowing the announcement of the contract extension that comes on the heels of the team's incredibly successful 2014 season. It is the latest achievement for Kasper in his 13-year tenure with the Black-and-Red.
DCU: Congratulations on both your successful career with D.C. United and in particular the 2014 season. What was the message that you received from team ownership after putting together a group that finished first in the Eastern Conference and cruised through the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League last year?
Dave Kasper: We had a lot of positive things to talk about. The most exciting was that we had a deal in place for a new stadium. It is clear that our ownership is committed to this club and our fans.
DCU: You’re coming off the most dramatic single-season turnaround in MLS history. When did you know you got the player mix right? What were the signs?
DK: We knew in December of 2013 that we had a group of players who could win. When we racked up road wins in Montreal, Kansas City and Toronto last summer, we knew we were for real.
DCU: What are the key philosophies and drivers that you use to build a roster? How do you balance long-term vision with ad hoc and immediate needs?
DK: The starting point is to find players who fit our culture, players who put the team first and who have grit. We have a very good balance of seasoned vets who know how to win in MLS as well as young talent. Both are vital for our short-term and long-term success.
DCU: You’ve seen the league grow exponentially during your tenure. How different is the player market now than it was a decade ago?
DK: There are more teams now and more opposing team scouts everywhere. You can find players, but you have to be a step ahead of the next team.
DCU: What is your vision for this season and beyond for D.C. United? How does the new stadium figure into those plans?
DK: We are excited to have retained our core players for this season and to have added some great new pieces as well. This group is hungry for success. Moving forward, we will be spending a lot of critical thought and planning on building out our soccer infrastructure for future sustained success.
DCU: What is your relationship like with Ben Olsen?
DK: He is a special person who is talented in so many ways. We have been through a lot together, with highs and lows, and our working relationship is as good as it gets in sports. This club, our players, and this city and our fans are very lucky to have him as our leader.
