Final Score: POR 2-DC 2
Quick Hits:
- The Good: Guts. Effort. Perseverance. Much has been made about Troy Lesesne’s ability to motivate young players, build a winning culture, and maximize the value of a roster. Through 2 games, fans should be starting to believe that all of this is possible in a short amount of time. With the news ringing around Twitter before the game that Christian Benteke was injured in warmups and wouldn’t be playing, you could not blame this team if they dropped their heads and accepted their fate of another bad night on the turf at Providence Park. After conceding goals to Dairon Asprilla (will get to that in a minute) and Santiago Moreno, this team took advantage of one of the more hilarious penalty calls in recent history to get on the board and ride the momentum to split the points in a way that felt like a win.
- The Not-So-Good: After this performance, finding nits to pick is slightly challenging. The team should have been more clinical in front of goal, missing 4 big chances. On the other hand, Benteke wasn’t playing and a lack of a secondary scoring option is known. Gabriel Pirani was once again the statistically weakest player on the team, offering 0.02 xG and 0.05 xA in 72 minutes on the field. He only touched the ball twice in the opponent’s box, completed only 1 dribble, was dispossessed twice, offside once, and generally was unable to influence the match in any way. It’s early days but the team will need a lot more from him. Pedro Santos is going to struggle to defend for 90 minutes a night, and with Mohanad Jeahze looking like he’s not long for the club, I’m not exactly sure what the solution will be. Santos continues to contribute in other ways, with 0.37 xA, 7 passes into the final third, 50% on crosses, 50% on long balls, 4/4 on tackles, 1 clearance, 4 interceptions, and 9 recoveries. BUT, he was scorched in a dangerous spot that resulted in the first goal by Asprilla.
- The Turning Point: I mentioned it before but the game swung in United’s direction on a silly play in the 69th minute. Chris McVey flicked on a cross from the left wing and Diego Chara and the rest of the Portland defense were convinced he was offside and raised their hands. The ball smacked into Diego Chara’s scolding hand and after deliberation, the replacement ref pointed at the spot. Mateusz Klich calmly slotted the ball to the left and DCU was underway, trying to turn this game around.
- Player Spotlight: Aaron Herrera provided a dominant performance in Portland Saturday night, shoring up both the defense and providing creativity and a cutting-edge in attack. His assist on Kristian Fletcher’s back post run goal was a just reward for a solid evening. 71% in passing, created 2 big chances, and provided 14 recoveries, Herrera was our Man of the Match (and Futmob’s).
- Looking Ahead: Next up, reigning Supporter’s Shield winners FC Cincinnati. FCC won 2-1 over Chicago Fire last night at Soldier Field and are managing to gain points while not fully at the peak of their powers. There is a rumor this morning that Cincinnati is about to add Deandre Yedlin to their defense, which already includes Miles Robinson (who scored against Chicago) and Matt Miazga. Hopefully, the trade comes too late for Yedlin to feature because the thought of him running at Santos is making me sweat a week in advance.
Final Thoughts:
Christian Benteke’s precautionary withdrawal due to injury aside, DC United is giving fans many reasons for optimism and confidence early in the MLS season. The energy around the team, the fight to come back from a losing position on the road against a quality opponent, and the ability to overcome a serious challenge paint a picture of a team ready to confound the low expectations many around the league had for them to start the year. Problems remain to be sorted out: depth at striker/secondary scoring options and a real left-back solution are going to be a constant threat until they’re addressed, but United fans have to feel an unfamiliar feeling coming up to next Sunday in Ohio.
Anticipation.