DC United ended their second game in four days with a loss to visiting Orlando City SC. An early goal from Orlando withstood a strong 60 minutes of pressure from the home side to deliver DC their first home loss of the season.
First Half
DC United started the game on the backfoot, with most of the early pressure coming from Orlando City. That pressure paid off in the 7th minute as Orlando broke up a DC attack and we given a whole field to work with. Orlando found Mauricio Pereyra in the box, and some fleet footwork and a good strike saw the visitors go ahead.
The Black & Red responded well to score by Orlando, stepping up the pressure. Arriola, who had his first start for the team in 2021, looked primed and ready to go forward, both to provide on attack and pressure the visiting defense. Throughout the rest of the half, DC evened up the numbers on possession, and provided more of the attacking threat, with a rocket of a shot from Flores blocked, and a half-second mistimed jump from Skundrich both failing to find the back of the net. Adrian Perez looked particularly potent, whether it be keeping possession on the flanks or setting up shots in the middle of the pitch, providing much of the horsepower for DC. Nyeman also impressed in possession and creative ability, the 17 year old playing above expectations.
Despite the increased pressure from DC, and a few good chances on the Orlando side as well, the two teams went to halftime with United down 0-1.
Second Half
DC United started the second half with the same energy and intensity that saw them become a bigger factor in the first half, looking much the hungrier side. The first 10 minutes were spent with a number of runs and crosses, with a lacking bit the final touch in the box, though they did manage 3 shots within that period, and a number of corners conceded by the visitors.
Throughout both halves, DC looked the more dangerous team from set pieces. Arriola almost connected on a play identical to the gorgeous goal that Canouse put in against NYCFC, and Brillant came close to bringing them level in 62nd minute.
The 63rd minute brought a DC United line change with Felipe, Kamara, and Paredes on for Arriola, Perez, and Moreno, fresh legs a necessity in Losada’s high-pressure system. The next 10 minutes featured more sustained pressure and chances from DC with very little coming the opposite way. Things started to get chippy between the teams, with a few heavy fouls aimed at Paredes as Orlando tried to stymie the assault from the Black and Red.
Yamil Asad rounded out the on-field changes for DC in the 78th minute. Flores, who added his artistry to much of the attack in the first half, saw less of the ball and vanished a bit in the second. Paredes, hitting the field for the first time under Losada, showed much of the spark that made him a regular choice in 2020.
While DC saw more of the ball in the second half, flipping the possession stats in their favor, they failed to turn their pressure into points. The game drew to a close with some strong challenges, strong words, and expert timewasting tactics by Orlando seeing them through to the end.
DC United continue to search for potency inside the 18. The creativity is there, with the likes of Flores, Arriola, Gressel and Mora providing service into the middle, but no one able to convert on that great service. Kamara in particular whiffed on a wonderful set piece into the 6 yard box that settled instead for the Orlando keeper. While DC failed to find the back of the net, you can see that this is a team poised to trouble teams if they can find that finishing touch.
DC United are back in action next Sunday, May 23rd as the Philadelphia Union (2-2-2) come to Audi Field.