Thanks to some great play by Bill Hamid and the DC defense, it seems like DC United and FC Dallas are just fit to be tied. One cannot outdo the other, or score a goal for that matter. Both teams held each other scoreless at Pizza Hut Park late on Saturday night. The 0-0 result brings back memories of another similar result at RFK Stadium earlier this season with each team playing hard but never converting any chances.
The first half was a little slow, especially for DC as they were out-possessed and out-shot by the home team. Hamid came up big when necessary and the defense kept out most of the trouble that Dallas could create. There were a few questionable calls made by the officials, but nothing really affected the outcome of the match. The second half was more of the same for DC. Dallas had more chances to score with each one seeming to get better and better. In about a five minute span in the middle of the second half, Dallas had two prime chances to bag three points at home. The first was a breakaway for Marvin Chavez. He had nobody but Hamid to beat, and he put his shot wide of the post. DC dodged another bullet when Dallas went on a 4v2 run against DC, and Brek Shea took one too many touches in the box which allowed DC defender Daniel Woolard to make the crucial tackle.
So DC will escape Dallas with a road point and another draw. Some may be satisfied with the result, but I have a few lingering thoughts. First off, it really seemed like DC was playing to not lose. The 0-0 result had to be in Ben Olsen’s head when he took Davies and Najar off the field in the second half. I know Davies wasn’t having quite a career night, but he is one of DC’s best players, and he came out pretty early bringing me to my second point. I have not seen Charlie Davies play a lot of full matches this season. It seems like he is getting subbed out quite a bit, and its got me wondering. Third, the absense of Wolff tonight could have played a major role in the lack of chances. I mean, DC only managed five attempts on goal, with one being on target. That equals no offense whatsoever. Hopefully Wolff can return quickly from his hamstring strain.
In other news, DC United has made another trade with the New York Red Bulls. They have traded an international roster spot for future considerations. DC has only two players listed for international roster spots, so this really isn’t a big deal. With all the buying and signing that New York has done this summer, maybe an extra slot is what they need.
What are your thoughts about the DC/Dallas match? Got a prediction for the next one against New England? Leave your comments in the section below or tweet me @aaronmccollum. Also, take a look at the other match report by FC Dallas writer Chris Munoz (@soccermunoz) for a great perspective from a fan who was at Pizza Hut Park.
(image courtesy of Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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