Craig Stouffer, The Examiner
2008-07-29 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

One attribute has been consistent over D.C. United’s last four games — besides losing. No matter the starting lineup, head coach Tom Soehn has altered his formation by midway through the first half, either shoring up the defense or packing the midfield.

Based on results, the adjustments haven’t worked, but both Soehn and United general manager Dave Kasper said the shuffling has been a product of injuries that have decimated the team.

“Tommy’s trying to do patchwork, putting out lineups where he may play a player out of position,” said Kasper. “That’s always a challenge. When that happens, you have to see how the game goes, and in more cases than not, you have to make adjustments.”

Devon McTavish often ends up going wherever United (7-8-1) needs help.

In last week’s loss to Houston, he played right wing, central midfielder and central defender.

“It helped a little bit against [CD Guadalajara], but that’s the only game that it helped,” said McTavish. “It doesn’t really come down to formation. It comes down to desire, passion, and the way we play the game, playing good soccer, and we haven’t been doing that lately.”

Note » United forward Jaime Moreno said he’s been called into the Bolivian national team for a friendly match against Guatemala at RFK Stadium on Aug. 6. Normally requests are made two weeks in advance, but D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper said the team has not received formal notification from the Bolivian federation.