In signing free agent Quincy Amarikwa, D.C. United added a much-needed back-up for star forward Wayne Rooney and a veteran of 10 MLS seasons. It welcomed someone known for strong work ethic and physical presence, a role player agreeable to periodic starts and selfless tasks when points are at stake.
United also acquired a mental strength coach.
That is how Amarikwa describes himself, anyway.
“It’s an undefined role, but that’s okay. I am defining it,” he said Friday, 48 hours before United will open against defending champion Atlanta at Audi Field. “I like to joke [that] I am the first unofficial MLS pool player for mental strength.