Photo Credit Kari Heistad
It wasn’t easy but D.C. United got their first point of the season. In a weird way, the club seems to love this type of performance one where their backs are against the wall, where it appears that a loss is all but inevitable. But somehow, some way D.C. United pulled out a 0-0 draw on Saturday night on the road against the New England Revolution.
After an offseason where United’s attack was the focus, it was the defense that once again proved to be the backbone of this squad. Despite being down to their third goalkeeper United’s defensive back four of Sen Franklin, Bobby Boswell, Steve Birnbaum, and Taylor Kemp pulled out another strong performance against one of the most feared attacks in Major League Soccer. Their work, coupled with the dogged professionalism of Marcelo Sarvas kept this game close.
The big question for United now is can they get their attack up and running. Given the play of Luciano Acosta and the number of veterans up top it seems like only time before they have a breakthrough. Their Sunday night match next week against the Colorado Rapids may be their best chance.
Goalkeeper Travis Worra- 8- The University of New Hampshire alum faced 17 shots this match and yet somehow managed to escape with a shutout. Had a bit of a bobble on a save late in the second half but made up for it by standing up to Teal Bunbury in the second half. The second year net-minder made a strong case for additional match-time.
Photo Credit: Kari Heistad
Defender Sean Franklin 7- Had a difficult task in containing Chris Tierney and Diego Fagundez. Did an excellent job at watch Fagundez on the counter-attack and limited Tierney’s ability to lay in crosses from the field of play. Had a bit of a knock to the jaw late and will have to sit out next week’s home opener because of yellow card accumulation.
Defender Bobby Boswell 8- His backside might be a bit sore after taking a Charlie Davies bicycle kick from point-blank range. But his extra effort all match long helped keep D.C. level and helped ease the pressure off of Worra.
Defender Steve Birnbaum 8.5-That Birnbaum was even playing in this match after suffering a difficult head injury is worth at least a full point. But his marking of Juan Agudelo and Bunbury was phenomenal. Very close, but not close enough where the Revolution could draw the foul. Textbook defending.
Defender Taylor Kemp 7-Was caught flat-footed by Kellyn Rowe and was only saved by a bad shot. Still, provided some good service on corner kicks and kept up with the rush down the right flank.
Midfielder Marcelo Sarvas 9- Perry who? Sarvas put in a professional shift in New England, holding his own against players who are not in their middle 30’s. It wasn’t just his defensive effort against Nguyen that was impressive; it was his small, simple passes that always seemed to find their target and start the attack. Will be loved by United supporters on Sunday and in many matchweeks going forward.
Photo Credit Kari Heistad
Midfielder Rob Vincent 7.25- The pride of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds received his first Major League Soccer start and did not seem out of place. Although he did not show his scoring touch that made him the top goalscorer in the United Soccer League last season he did show a readiness and willingness to go after every play. His passes were also mostly on point and he worked well with Nick De Leon on a couple of opportunities.
Midfielder Chris Rolfe 6.5- Had a relatively uneven performance and still seems like he is adjusting to his new teammates. It was not necessarily a bad performance per se, just one that was a little wanting.
Midfielder Nick De Leon 7- Had D.C.’s best goal-scoring opportunity late with a bullet that was intended for the Revs far post. Seemed a bit more in control of the United attack and was more measured with his runs. Still ironing out the timing of his passes.
Forward Luciano Acosta 8- Frustrated the Revolution defense for sixty minutes and may have had the game-winner had he had a better first touch in the 57th minute. Still anyone who pulls off a Maradona during a match deserves to be praised. Now the question is can D.C. find the right role for him,
Forward Lamar Neagle 6.5- Got through the Revs defense on a couple of occasions but just could not square his shot. Much like with Acosta and with Alvaro Saborio D.C. is still trying to find the right role for him,
RESERVES
Alvaro Saborio 5.5-Could not keep up with the faster Revs defenders and on more than one occasion his passes could not find their target. Looked a bit better when Buscher came on to lessen the load up top and had a decent chance prior to De Leon’s shot.
Julian Buscher 6.5- Finally seems to be settling into the United rotation. Passes were mostly on point and forced the Revolution defenders to hurry up their attack. Have yet to really see the passing skills that made him the first round pick.
Miguel Aguilar N/A- The N/A is not necessarily a knock against Aguilar; it is just that it is difficult to assess a player based off of twelve minutes of action. He did look good though in his limited time and helped set up D.C.’s last scoring chance. An Aguilar-Acosta partnership might be coming soon.
