Throughout the world, Cup games provide opportunities for young and less used players to show how they can contribute. Occasionally, one sees another virtue to this practice, developing the all-around skills of their youngsters. DC United used Wednesday night’s match for just that purpose.
Let’s start with the example of Jackson Hopkins, frequently seen as a wide player. In this game, he paired with the experienced Chris Durkin to drive central midfield. He blended into the role smoothly, demonstrating a versatility we will see in his teammates as well.
On his right were the dangerous veteran Andy Najar and rookie Jacob Greene who alternated comfortably in both attack and defense. Assistant Coach Pete Shuttleworth explained, “We’ve been a back three for the last couple of league games.” He went on to note what happened later, “Jacob’s a fullback by nature – – – in the second half he worked real hard and combined with Yamil (Asad) and Lewis O’Brien when he came on and we looked a good threat down that left hand side.”
Greene had to adjust in two ways as he moved from a wingback to a fullback on the opposite side in the second half as the team switched to a four-back system. Shuttleworth noted, “That’s a versatility that he gives us.”
Customarily, teams will use a “B” team in early cup matches to rest starters as well as develop players. While United has played no midweek games yet, the season’s rhythm is about to change. As the assistant coach put it, “We’ve got a lot of midweek games coming up. We’re going to need the whole squad.”
Another common practice is to use the backup goalkeeper in such games. In this instance, Alex Bono proved that he may deserve more time in league matches as well as he earned man of the match with a sterling save of the Kickers’ penalty kick in the 75th minute to preserve the win.
After being prompted by a question about Asad’s gesturing to him about the likely direction of the kick, Bono explained how he got the jump on it, “I had a tip over from the sideline. Obviously, we scout teams before we play them and their penalty takers.” Modestly describing his own heroics, Bono stated that, “We were obviously fortunate to keep them off the scoreboard today.”
As expected, DC dominated play, pressing well into Richmond’s half, while the Kickers most often ceded possession to United until midfield. That did allow some dangerous forays behind DC’s defenders which were generally well responded to but required some very skillful work from Bono.
Shuttleworth pointed out, “In the summer we signed two good goalkeepers – – – we said to them in preseason it was a battle for the number one jersey, and we went with Tyler (Miller) early who’s been outstanding, but we promised Alex to play tonight.”
The team moves on to play the next cup round against the Red Bulls in New Jersey on May 9th at 7:30.
In the next MLS game, DC United hosts Charlotte FC on Saturday at 7:30 PM at Audi Field. Coming off a series of wins, the team will reach a .500 record if the streak continues. It remains to be seen whether the back line will be manned by three or four.
