D.C. United won a professional soccer game on Saturday night. They put the ball in the back of the net more times than their opponents—one more time, to be exact—and walked off of the pitch after 90 minutes having been declared victors of an athletic contest.
Yes, folks, this is real.
All jokes aside, United did indeed claim a rare victory Saturday night, pulling ahead on an early penalty kick and holding off a late rally to secure their first win since early March. The victory over the visiting San Jose Earthquakes was United’s first in 13 matches, ending a winless streak that broke the club’s all-time record for futility and came within several games setting an ugly Major League Soccer record.
United looked alive from the start, pressing high defensively and creating chances on the offensive side of the ball. Midfielder Kyle Porter created United’s first chance when he ventured forward and ripped a shot from 22 yards out that skimmed inches over the crossbar. Just five minutes later, United got an even better opportunity to strike in the form of a penalty kick.
Midfielder John Thorrington found Chris Korb streaking down the right sideline. Korb, sensing the onrushing San Jose defender Justin Morrow, took a heavy touch and ran directly into Morrow’s challenge to draw the spot kick. Chris Pontius struck the ensuing kick low and right to notch his first goal of the year and give United the early advantage.
United continued to push for a second goal throughout the half, including a Thorrington bender in the 18th minute that nearly beat San Jose keeper Jon Busch from 20 yards out. But the momentum shifted away as the Earthquakes enjoyed a bit more possession in the half’s final 15 minutes.
United’s halftime lead was their first all year, and D.C. did well to hang on to it. San Jose found themselves with a trifecta of quality scoring chances in the second half. In the 61st minute, Earthquakes midfielder Sam Cronin looped a long pass to winger Shea Salinas, who found space in the box between United defenders Conor Shanosky and Daniel Woolard. Salinas’ attempt from close range was parried away by Bill Hamid to preserve the lead.
Salinas was on the other end of San Jose’s next attempt in the 71st minute, feeding Adam Jahn, whose bending strike from 12 yards out struck the post.
Alan Gordon had what was perhaps San Jose’s best opportunity of the night, slipping in between Woolard and Shanosky and chipping his sliding attempt from inside the six over the crossbar just minutes from the death.
Some further thoughts:
The Hero: Alain Rochat. Rochat is a huge pickup for United’s back line, and he showed why on Saturday night. Defensively, he showed a sense of confidence and class on the ball that United has been missing all year, something many of D.C.’s fans expected upon his signing. What comes as more of a surprise was his quality on the other side of the ball. Rochat found himself in the final third with some frequency against San Jose, overlapping and sending dangerous balls into the box. It was a breath of fresh air to say the least.
“He was great,” Olsen told DCist when asked about Rochat’s performance. “He’s just what we thought he was. His passing helped us out of a bunch of spots and he continues to give us possession when we’re in trouble. I also thought the way he went forward tonight was a pleasant surprise.”
Honorable Mentions: Chris Pontius and John Thorrington. Pontius played his first truly complete game of 2013, finally looking like his old self. Thorrington’s work rate in midfield was also a pleasant surprise, as he combined well with Pontius and Nick Deleon.
The Goats: Lionard Pajoy and Casey Townsend. Pajoy was, well, Pajoy. It’s getting old. He entered the match in the second half while United were pressing for an insurance goal, and did precisely zero things to help the cause. Even the things he did well last year—holding the ball, playing decent defense for a forward—are long gone.
Townsend, on the other hand, was slightly better but just lacks the technical ability to a long-term solution at up front. He repeatedly pulls the trigger from 20-plus yards out—perhaps in frustration over his team’s anemic offense—but never comes close to scoring. He’s just not particularly good at any one thing. United’s best solution at forward this year, frankly, has been Carlos Ruiz, who’s scored zero goals. Woof.
The Rest: Multiple sources confirmed on Saturday that United is set to part ways with Rafael, the young designated player that United touted as their next big thing this pre-season. The Brazilian scored a goal early in the year but quickly sank to the bottom of the depth chart, only making two cameo appearances in United’s past six matches. His departure will free up additional salary cap space with the recent releases of Marcos Sanchez and Raphael Augusto, making United likely to make a move when MLS’ summer transfer window opens up on July 9.
The full highlight package and Ben Olsen’s post-game comments:
