Photo Credit: Atlanta United FC
D.C. United, one of the MLS founding teams, flew down to Atlanta last week to play against the newbies United, knowing that they could get their first win away from home but that it wouldn’t be easy.
Atlanta United was coming home after a three consecutive road matches and after a great win against Real Salt Lake City. Tata Martino’s side wanting to show their home supporters what else they could do.
It was an easy start for the home team with two great attempts right from the beginning. Atlanta United showed how and why they have the highest scoring in the season so far and they put Bill Hamid to work. Hard. Too hard.
And whatever is hitting the D.C. United, with all the injuries and sickness, appears to have hit Bill Hamid too, with a possible groin injury five minutes into the game.
D.C. United’s offense and defense seemed a bit off and in need of communication which resulted in Atlanta United’s #9 Kenwyne Jones scoring before the clock scoring near ten minute mark. It was a tough beginning of game and Coach Ben Olsen knew that.
“We knew there was going to be a storm coming early; the way they [Atlanta United] play and the talent that they have, they cause a lot of problems and force you to make tough decisions. We weren’t able to play our way out during the first ten minutes, but after that, we started to solve some problems. Bill was incredible—he came up with some huge early saves for us and had a great performance overall.
With Taylor Kemp and Luciano Acosta back from injuries and sickness that kept them, and six of the regular starters, out the game against New England, this match wasn’t going to be so bad. Olsen had also brought Neagle, Ortiz and Le Toux as starters, keeping Mullins and Sarvas on the bench.
Atlanta United’s #25 Michael Parkhurst scored an own goal in the 25th minute opening the tab for DC, that was it.
Something triggered the team from the Capital and Acosta and Le Toux started to talk, and even when Acosta was being thoroughly marked by Atlanta’s defense he still managed to do score one of the most beautiful goals of the afternoon. Getting the Black-and- Red from D.C up to 2-1 by the end of the first half.
The second half started with Neagle hitting the goal kicks for Bill Hamid and Sébastian Le Toux feeling more at home and finding his own game that resulted in D.C’s 3rd goal of the night.
https://mobile.twitter.com/dcunited/status/859476318710366208/video/1
The Black-and-Red team from Washington had a rough start of the season but seems to have finally found their game, and show the same quality of soccer they had by the end of last season. They still need to work on their offense and find someone who can work as well as Acosta, so they don’t look as lost as they after Olsen send Acosta to the bench and brought Sarvas to the field.
This week, D.C. United will host Montreal Impact on Saturday and they have a lot to work for, especially with Steve Birnbaum, Patrick Nyarko, and Nick DeLeon still out as of today.
You can watch this week’s match at RFK Stadium at 6 PM or on NewsChannel8.
DC United
Atlanta United FC
