The cold Saturday night did not scare the more than 18,000 supporters that came down to the RFK Stadium to watch D.C United’s home opener against Sporting Kansas City. What may have given them a bit of a pause though was the lack of scoring. Despite their best efforts on defense United kicked off their last season at RFK with a 0-0 draw.
Overall it was a good match, not the results everybody expected but showed how prepared both goalies were.
In the 54th time that the D.C. United had played against SKC, the Black and Red started with a great attack having three chances on goal in the first eight minutes of the game. This early assault included a penalty kick opportunity brought on by goalkeeper Tim Melia taking out forward Patrick Mullins inside the box. Melia would make up for the miscue on the next play, saving a low chance from United midfielder Marcelo Sarvas.
After that it was more of a defensive game than an offensive as said Coach Ben Olsen.
“I thought it was a gutsy performance. As a defensive exercise it was impressive; the guys looked after each other. I thought the back four, wide midfielders, and wide backs did a good job at dealing with aggressive overlaps”
What was missing?
Maybe a bit of creativity. Luciano Acosta, 22, the one who, usually, keeps the other team defenders on their toes was out with an injury. Julian Büescher,23 stepped up. But Buescher was also recovering from injuries during the preseason and his effort, though admirable, was not enough to open the score at RFK. Olsen noted during the club’s press conference the need for other players to step up in Acosta’s absence saying, “It’s not a single person. It’s the responsibility of Patrick [Nyarko], Lloyd Sam, Patrick Mullins…everybody. There’s not just one player that single-handedly relieves the pressure”.
As a home opener it was not what supporter expected,but is early in the season it was not the first time D.C. United started a season without winning, United are 9-6-7 in home openers, to be exact. There is still time and hope.
The Black and Red will be back in action on Sunday when they travel to New York to take on NYCFC.
DC United
Sporting Kansas City
