Obviously, Ian Harkes has not insulated himself from his legend father. The junior Harkes played at the elite NCAA Atlantic Coast Conference championship, and He is also a central midfielder before penning down a homegrown deal this January with DC United.
His famous father John Harkes captained the DC United and later played for Derby County. Likewise, Ian Harkes also explored opportunity at the English Championship side. As the nascent rookie continue to build on his solid performances week in week out, he is shaping out a clear identity for himself.
Ian Harkes substantial contribution against the New England Revolution
Saturday night marked Ian's sixth straight start since watching the opener from the sideline. With the absence of six injured DC regulars including key player Luciano Acosta, watching from the bench. Ian Harkes was at the core of DC United attack during their 2-2 draw with the Revs. Twice in the first-half, Harkes nearly scored a well calculated low powered shot from 19 yards that struck the left post and a brilliant header that kissed off the crossbar.
Apparently, he figured to have played a much greater role than most DC prospects. Head coach Ben Olsen had paired Harkes with Acosta in the supporting midfield spot, a position that requires Ian Harkes to “forge chemistry” with Acosta while also combining it with some defensive responsibility.
On Saturday, with a distressful ankle keeping off Acosta from the encounter until the 76th minute, Ian Harkes tremendously steered the attack while Jared Jeffrey and Marcelo Sarvas furnish support on the offensive.
Ian setting the pace among other United youngsters?
As Ian Harkes continues to adapt from the simplicity nature of collegiate soccer to the “unforgiving demands” of professional soccer, he is apparently beginning to display “greater enterprise” like his father.
At first, Ian Harkes looked apprehensive among DC experienced teammates, notably, Argentine import Acosta, who's a “transplant” from Argentina's most successful club Boca Juniors.
A sort of family reunion played out the last weekend at the Red Bulls Arena, which coincidentally sits about three miles from the Harkes family country home in Kearny, New Jersey.
Ian Harkes grandparents settled there, after emigrating from Scotland, and his father John Harkes learned soccer in the “ethnic enclave” with other future World Cup teammates Tab Ramos and Tony Meola. More than a hundred of family and friends merrily watched Ian played out 90 minutes in a 2-0 loss to New York Red Bulls.
Olsen feels right about Ian
While the rest of the team departed the Red Bulls Arena with the team bus, Ian stayed behind for the Easter with his family and shortly headed back to Washington DC to continue his exciting soccer career. United manager Ben Olsen believes Ian has the apt mental potency and physical aptitude, unlike former DC United central midfielder Perry Kitchen, who the manager amusingly described him as “hitting a rookie wall for about two hours.”
