We are going to try a little something! From henceforth, we’ll do a weekend recap post on Monday, sharing the big picture takeaways from the games of the teams we cover. We will also do a link recap post in the mornings Tues-Fri. Make sure you bookmark rfkrefugees.com!
Aside from an unfortunately typical gut punch for Loudoun, this weekend was pretty pleasant for the DC Soccer fan. DC United managed a 1-0 win when they probably should have won by 4, the Washington Spirit drew 1-1 against the recently stingy defense of the Chicago Red Stars and would have had three points if not for a late penalty call, and the previously mentioned unfortunate Loudoun United came back to tie Hartford United 1-1 with a penalty converted by Jovanny Bolivar until a weather delay halted the game with minutes to play…and Loudoun conceded and walked away with nothing.
Takeaways for DC United
As mentioned above, but for wasteful finishing by Ola Kamara, the scoreline for this game could have, and probably should have, been much different. While Kamara confidently dispatched the penalty that brought United it’s margin of victory, his confidence in open play continues to be a problem. Hernan Losada mixed his praise with concern for the striker’s profligacy in front of goal, both saying he believed in the player but noted that the wastefulness can’t be continued and will kill this team if it’s not remedied. The seat continues to be hot despite having the most goals on the team.
Andy Najar had a highlight dense performance from his wingback position on Saturday night. Don’t take my word for it.
Najar has had a tremendous journey, from DC academy to first Homegrown and Rookie of the Year, to playing in the Champions League and having Arsenal interested. The downfall was steep and unfortunate, with injuries sapping time of his prime and leading to Najar trying his luck with LAFC last year. That season was a disappointment for the player and club, and Najar found his way back to his first club on a tryout. The club brought him along slowly, focusing on his fitness and muscles before worrying about when he might get into a game. He was signed on a small to medium contract with an option year with the intention for him to get a few minutes here and there but absolutely not intended to be a week in, week out starter for this club.
Funny how it works out. Najar has appeared in 7 of the club’s first 9 games, starting 5 of them. The highlight above shows the player in full confidence in his ability, his position on the club, and in his health to be able to run at players like this without fear. This show has been a booster of the idea of signing Najar since it was rumored and we couldn’t be more pleased for him (and the team).
DCU takes on Montreal this Wednesday, and there will be a preview up for that game tomorrow.
Takeaways for Washington Spirit
For the third time in six games, the Spirit have scored a goal and conceded in less than 8 minutes. This time, Trinity Rodman took an excellent pass from Andi Sullivan down out of the air and beat the US Women’s starting keeper for her first NWSL regular season goal. Unfortunately, a ball stuck Sam Staab’s arm in stoppage time and Morgan Gautrat (the Butcher) kicked it past Aubrey Bledsoe to split the points.
The first half was largely neutral and uneventful, aside from a handful of chances on both sides and Ashley Hatch suffering a likely concussion and having to withdraw for Tara McKeown. Depending on the duration of her unavailability, this could prove troublesome for the Spirit, as the number 9 position is one with very little depth aside from players in their first or second year. We will see later this week about her status for Saturday’s game against Kansas City.
Goal aside, Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez continue to be the locomotive to the Spirit offense. Rodman continues to stand out among her older peers for her ability and willingness to dribble past and through opponents and Sanchez was very lively and dangerous throughout the second half.