PROFILE : D.C. UNITED’S BEN OLSEN

D.C. United midfielder Ben Olsen has had quite a career in the last seven years. Despite a serious ankle injury in 2001, Olsen played a major role D.C. United's 2004 championship season and has seen action in the English Premier League with Nottingham Forest and the U.S. Men's National Team. Among his honors is the U.S. Soccer Foundation's “Humanitarian of the Year Award,” which recognizes him for his charity involvement, including D.C. United's Youth Fan Club (YFC) Read Across America, Coaches Against Gun Violence, Pennies for Patients and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk. In the off-season, he shows off his skills on the basketball court. Olsen and his long-time girlfriend Megan Schoen live in Adams Morgan. Schoen is a teacher for the Montgomery County school district. Olsen is continuing his studies at American University.

How would your opponents describe you?
Scrappy.

If you were not a professional athlete, what would you be doing?
I'd be great in a boy band, but now that I'm getting a little older, maybe a teacher.

What is your recipe for a successful sports team?
A lot of talent, luck, and the ability to buy into a team concept.

Is there an athlete from another sport whom you'd like to meet?
Jason Kidd- he inspires everyone around him.

What do you always take on vacation with you?
My girlfriend, Megan.

What CD is currently in your car?
Postal Service

Where do you go when you have time off?
My favorite restaurant in D.C. is Pasta Mia.

Do you have any special talents off the field?
I'm a great slow dancer. Ask Megan.

What is it like playing with Freddy Adu?
He is great. He has brought a lot of great exposure to the club and the league but I think there is also a lot of pressure on him.

How did you handle being sidelined for a year? Did you pick up any new hobbies?
It is important to find another outlet when you are sitting on the couch and can't run. So, I started painting.

What do you like about Washington fans?
Their loyalty.

What is the last book you read?
“The Best American Nonrequired Reading,” by Dave Eggers and Zadie Smith.

Grooming by Patricia Martinez
Photographed by Douglas Sonders
Catherine Sumner contributed to this profile