DC United introduces new coach, Curt Onalfo

Jan 5, 2010 - 9:14 PM WASHINGTON(AP) -- Former D.C. United player Curt Onalfo is returning to the team as its head coach and says "priority No. 1" is to get back to the MLS playoffs.

Onalfo was introduced as the sixth head coach in franchise history Tuesday at a news conference.

United missed the playoffs the past two seasons, and parted ways with coach Tom Soehn.

Club president Kevin Payne called Onalfo "a very, very good fit," citing his belief in attacking soccer and noting that he speaks Spanish.

Onalfo is a former U.S. national team member and played two seasons for United before retiring in 1999. He was an assistant coach and director of youth development for the team.

Onalfo coached the Kansas City Wizards for 2 1/2 years until he was fired in August. He was 27-29-22.