DC United coach Tom Soehn will remain patient on midfielder Danny Szetela.

The 22-year old joined DC from Spanish club Racing Santander but has featured just once since landing back in the US.

Soehn said Szetela had some fitness issues and was working hard to get himself right.

"It takes time to adjust to a new team and where you fit in and making sure you win your teammates over and win your staff over," he said.

"He didn't come fit, and that will all work itself out. ... Everyone coming in has to understand that you have to work hard every day.

"The guys who have been here understand that, and that's something new guys have to figure out. It's something I think he is starting to understand."