Twice this season, DC United Coach Wayne Rooney has altered his formation. The first was to strengthen the defense with a five-man back line which funneled opposing attackers into a crowded center. That led to low scoring by both sides. With the loss of Lewis O’Brien, a steadying influence in midfield and the acquisition of Gabriel Pirani, a creative midfielder, he switched to a four-back defense to allow more attacking play.
Both changes required a period of adjustment to arrive at the level of comfort needed to succeed. Throughout Saturday’s game, Christian Benteke, Ted Ku-Dipietro, and Pirani displayed rapid, coordinated positioning, and passing. They were not alone in coordinated movement as Russell Canouse proved extremely fit and flexible in supporting attacks as well as covering for defender Andy Najar when the Honduran International sortied forward.
Najar played the entire game, a reflection of current good fitness. Rooney averred that, “We all know he’s a very good player and we hope we can find the solution to keep him fit because that’s the only thing that’s holding him back.” Including Najar, who was called up for Honduras, MLS teams will lose many key players during the coming international break, putting more strain on all players, especially the aging offense-minded defender.
Canouse described his role in midfield, “I’ve always taken pride in covering for guys when they go forward and making sure we’re organized.” His exceptional work rate allowed time and space for the three creators to work within the new system.
Benteke was quite happy not only with his own scoring, but with interplay with his teammates, “I think if you do the right thing it leads to goals.” He likes the new system because, “At times we were predictable, and with Pirani now and Ku coming in as well we have different aspects in our game and we enjoy more.”
Benteke’s ability to hold the ball when receiving long passes allowed for variety when DC played either from the back with Najar, Canouse, and Pirani transitioning or using the long outlet to a dominant Benteke.
The score reflected more than the value of the new system as it played off what Rooney noted, “We knew with Chicago playing on Monday night we wanted to start quick.” Freed up to attack, “I thought Ku and Pirani were excellent tonight.”
After noting that Pirani, who was heavily challenged all night, was, “a lot stronger than you’d think.”, Rooney described the attacking interaction with Ku DiPietro very positively. He added that, “I think he’s one of the best young American players.”
All players interviewed felt comfortable with the new found freedom which Captain Steve Birnbaum described, “Overall this was a comfortable win – – – a confidence builder – – – just having that freedom that Wayne puts us in the positions to kinda flow and control the game – – – the midfield was great tonight.”
United barely edged back into playoff position by passing the Fire. Rooney observed, “The objective for us is to make playoffs – – – We’ve been thereabouts all season, we know it’s on us to keep putting performances like we did tonight and win games.”
United entertains San Jose at Audi this Saturday at 7:30. The Quakes are situated near the Western Conference bubble and are coming off a 1-1 tie with Minnesota United.
