MetroFanatic: Dave, it seems that your role with the team is changing this year.
Dave van den Bergh: Yeah. I think everybody's role is changing, since we're playing a different system. Except for the two forwards, everyone's role is changing, and that includes mine.

MF: It's been written that you're not well-suited to play the left wing in Osorio's 3-5-2.
DVDB: That's somebody's opinion.

MF: But you've been playing more central in this system?
DVDB: That's where I've been playing this preseason, so I guess that's where coach sees me best.

MF: Your salary was reported by MLS Player Union to be pretty high, and this offseason there has been talk that you could be out because of that high salary. Do you think it's not fair the way the salary cap treats players who earn more?
DVDB: You know what, everybody signs a contract with the league. And neither the player nor the league, after the deal has been done, should want to come back to that. They were obviously happy with the contract they offered me, I was obviously happy with the contract I agreed on. Both parties should be finished with it at that point. The way the league has been set up, is difficult for any player with a substantial salary. I guess I'll be one of those guys, that's just the way it is.

MF: It's definitely very different from Europe.
DVDB: Yeah, you sign a set deal with the club, and there is no talk about the salary cap because there is no salary cap. It's different, but no better, no worse.

MF: But you're still here.
DVDB: (silence)

MF: You're giving me the look... Do you not expect to be here?
DVDB: I never heard any other story that I was gonna be here, so it's news to me.

MF: It might be just conjecture, people looking at the higher salaries, and the team wants to sign more players, and I don't know if it originally comes from a reputable source...
DVDB: I'm still here, I guess. I thought I had a very decent year last year. I am confident that this team can go forward, and I'm happy to be a part of it.