DC United and Orlando City Tie a Chess Match 1-1

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DC United scouted Orlando City well and dominated the first half with consistent pressure and excellent buildup play only to fail to finish the opportunities created.  Their opponents adjusted their defense in the second half to create a balance that was reflected in each team scoring and a 1-1 tie.

Coach Wayne Rooney was pleased with the overall performance as the game went, “Exactly how we seen the game going – – – We just couldn’t take our chances at the goal.”  He acknowledged the effect of Orlando’s adjustment, “And the second half (was) a little bit more even.”

Citing the lack of goals despite good buildup he stated, “We have 5 goals now in 3 games (actually 4).  I’m not happy about that at all.”  At another point he felt, “We could have been 2 or 3 up in the first half.”  Orlando’s formation in those 45 minutes explained the opportunities and lack of a DC goal.  The middle was more open due to a stronger back line.

Having watched Orlando’s previous games, Rooney noted that, “Quite they often drop into a back 5 or even a back 6 so we knew the space would be there.”  He averred that Ruan and Mohannad Jeahze were able to, “really have a lot of time on the ball.”  Their wide play combined with that of designated player Mateusz Klich, who would naturally attract coverage, to open space centrally for Russell Canouse.

The coach pointed out that, “Klich had more of a free role going and being involved in the final third and Russell is the player who we were trying to get the ball to to start the path forward – – – It’s the best game I’ve ever seen him play.  I thought he was excellent.  The improvement from Russell from last year when I came in, to now just purely playing forward and being braver on the ball.”

Coming into the season it appeared that Rooney’s player acquisitions would move Canouse and Chris Durkin into substitute positions.  However, both came into camp well prepared and earned significant roles.  In particular, the coach was pleased with Durkin’s tying goal both for its effect and what it said about the player, “He deserves it because he’s a player who works hard and doesn’t really get a lot of credit – – – He’s an important player for us.”

United’s style of play is reminiscent of the original DC United with its emphasis on pressure, followed by possession prioritized over immediate attack which would then be swift when opportunities arose.  The more modern game of building from the back has pushed the location of pressure back into the attacking team’s area in most cases but Orlando’s decision to place 5 on defense changed the dynamic back into their half.

Thus, DC was able to create more chances but against a tighter shield.  The result was that they appeared, in the words of Jimmy Breslin’s novel, to be the “Gang that couldn’t shoot straight.”  In fact, they shot straight but into an effective packed defense.  Ironically, Durkin’s goal was a crooked shot curving around two defenders and the keeper to find the side of the net.

The team remains a work in progress, but with real advancement over last season.  Midfielder Yamil Asad performed well in his return to add quality depth to cover for injuries to Andy Najar and Taxi Fountas and the illness of Nigel Robertha.  They move on to face New York City FC away next Saturday and return on 25 March to Audi Field to play the New England Revolution.