DC United have installed Ben Olsen as the club's caretaker coach following the dismissal of Curt Onalfo.

The Washington-based club have decided to part ways with Onalfo who took over this season after his stint as head coach with Kansas City Wizards and former midfielder Olsen will be the man to step into his shoes for the meantime.

DC president and CEO Kevin Payne admitted the Onalfo decision was not an easy one but needed to be made as the club currently has a record of three wins, three draws and 12 losses.

"This was a difficult and painful decision," said Payne. "Curt is an outstanding person and a fine coach. This has certainly been a trying season, made more so by a number of factors outside of anyone's control. This decision is not about placing blame, but about looking forward. Recent performances have convinced us that we need to make a change at the top for the team to improve the remainder of this season, for 2011 and beyond. We wish Curt nothing but the best."