So close, but yet so far. After staying level with F.C. Dallas for close to 90 minutes, United was just a minute away from getting out of Toyota Park with a point. But after snatching victories from the jaws of defeat so many times this season this time it was United dropping points.
Despite the loss, there are things that D.C. United supporters can hang their hat on. Backup goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra once again put on a strong performance making six saves. The back four of Taylor Kemp, Bobby Boswell, Steve Birnbaum, and Chris Korb did a commendable job at holding one of the fastest teams in Major League Soccer for as long as possible.
But the club’s lack of scoring is now an issue. Outside of Matt Hedges’ own goal United has now gone scoreless for 287 minutes. With Fabian Espindola coming back from a red card suspension and the imminent arrival of Alvaro Saborio, whom the club picked up from Real Salt Lake last week in a trade, United coach Ben Olsen will have some depth when the club takes on the Philadelphia Union on Sunday (5pm EST ESPN2).
The Union might actually be the best opponent for D.C.; although their record has improved since their dismal 1-7-3 start their 34 goals allowed(worst in the league). That coupled with United’s 18 home goals scored (tied for second best in the league) should give D.C. supporters hope that they can snap this dry spell.
On to the news and notes!
Jalen Robinson makes the MLS Homegrown Players Game
Robinson, 21, has been on loan all of this season with the Richmond Kickers but is considered to be one of the leagues top young left-backs. The former Wake Forest University standout will be featured alongside the Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes,) Dillon Serna (Colorado Rapids) and coach Landon Donovan as the MLS Homegrown Players take on Club America’s youth team. The match will serve as a precursor to the MLS All-Star Game on July the 29th Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
While the Homegrown Players Game is an exhibition it is a good achievement for both Robinson and D.C. United. Robinson has made 11 starts with the Kickers this season and finally seems to be picking up the technical aspects of being a left-back. For United it gives the team a chance to show that they can produce quality players from their youth academy structure and help build their program. Being able to say that players like Bill Hamid and Andy Najar came from your system is nice; but what is even better is being able to point out players who have played for them in the past 1-3 years.
What will be interesting to see for Robinson is if he can start getting appearances for the senior team. His loan with the Kickers does allow him to come back to United if they need him. With Chris Korb sustaining a hip injury against Dallas and right-back Sean Franklin still out with an Achilles injury United’s depth in defense will be tested. Especially with CONCACAF Champions League duty about to start (more on that later).
As for the Kickers…
West Bromwich Albion 2, Richmond Kickers 1
D.C. United might not have a European club friendly scheduled this year but their USL affiliate the Richmond Kickers did have a match against a major club. On a rain-soaked City Stadium pitch on Saturday night in Richmond, Virginia Albion pulled through late thanks to a goal by Albion’s Brown Ideye pulled through the game-winner in the 88th minute to give the Premier League side the edge.
The Kickers evened the scored in the 83rd minute thanks to a goal by midfielder Nate Schiffman. Albion took the lead early thanks to a 25 yard peach of a strike by midfielder James McClean.
Robinson was the only member of D.C. United’s on loan players to receive any minutes during the match. He came on as a half-time substitute for George Davis IV.
Despite losing, the Kickers actually played quite well and looked like a team that is coming into form during the right time of the season. Currently sitting in third place in the USL Eastern Conference Richmond will get back to league play on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Red Bull Arena to take on New York Red Bulls II (4PM EST Youtube).
Montego Bay United Stripped Of CCL Spot?
The Jamaican side that is scheduled to play United in Group H of the CCL may be forced to pull out of the tournament. In a report conducted Jamaican outlet The Star it was revealed that CONCACAF may strip them of their spot because of the club’s inability to secure proper lighting for High Definition television. Yes, the region that is currently indicted for racketeering and fraud may take away a Champions League bid because a club cannot afford proper lighting. It was not revealed if Fox was being asked to upgrade their awful coverage.
Montego Bay United gained a Champions League spot after finishing third in the 2015 Caribbean Football Union Club Championship. Should they be able to play, Don Bosco of Haiti will take their place. Montego football officials have offered to change the lighting in the stadium so that full light will be focused on the pitch or to play the game at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica (which is about 3 miles away).
D.C. United are not scheduled to go to Montego Bay until September the 22nd so there is still plenty of time to make a decision. However, United’s travel booking agent would probably like some notice. Good news for family members and supporters looking to make either trip: Montego Bay and Petionville, where Don Bosco plays, are both known for being tourist destinations and their beaches.
DC United
