On Saturday the Union traveled to RFK stadium to face rivals DC United in the midst of their playoff push. With the playoffs nearing closer and closer, it was a necessity the team picked up three points in DC so they could distance themselves from teams like the Chicago Fire and New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the Union walked away with only one point and as of now, aren’t in a playoff position.
Looking at the statistics, this should have been a relatively easy game for the Union to win; DC United being the worst team in the league with only three wins the entire season and a total of 16 points. However, last time the Union traveled to RFK they lost 3-1. Although expecting to win, the Union also understood that DC United is a team that can't be underestimated.
Going into the game, coach John Hackworth put out a lineup we’ve never seen before this season. The key reason for the drastic changes was the absence of defender Sheanon Williams and midfielder Fabinho who were suspended from last week’s game against Toronto. Hackworth put out a 4-1-4-1 formation which we haven’t seen often. To replace Williams, forward Sebastien Le Toux was put at right back, where he’s never played before this year. Jose Kleberson was also added to the starting roster right under Conor Casey. Kleberson proved himself in the game last week, scoring the winning goal in the 94’.
Not only was the Union without two of their key players, but in the 16’ Le Toux had to be subbed off due to injury. Matt Kassel, who had only played 32 minutes for the team in total was to come on.
From the very beginning of the game, United were creating chances and getting multiple shots on goal off. They were finally able to sink one in the 36’ when midfielder Nick Deleon took a long distance shot which sailed right past Zac MacMath to the back of the net. The goal was incredible but was caused by fault of the defense. Deleon was given way too much space outside of the box which allowed him to easily get his head up and take a clear shot on goal.
Throughout the entirety of the game both teams had their fair share of shots on goal but DC came close to scoring their second of the night in the 83’ when forward Conor Doyle had possession of the ball and was one-on-one with MacMath who was way off his line, out of the box. Doyle was able to get around MacMath and it became a footrace to goal. MacMath then stumbled while trying to sprint back leaving nothing but space between Doyle and the goal. As Doyle cut towards the center MacMath was able to run around him and make a slide tackle in the box, clearing the ball and keeping the Union in the game for a few more seconds. MacMath was lucky to not let DC score again. He handled the situation as if he were a defender and managed to make a slide tackle in the box, without committing a foul.
Jack McInerney was able to equalize in the 90’ of play. DC committed a foul just outside of the box and the Union were rewarded a free kick. Kleberson sent the ball into the box only to be played out by DC. Ray Gaddis then took control of the ball and played it back to Kleberson who sent it back into the box where McInerney made a perfect run in to head the ball and score his first goal in 11 games.
In the four minutes of stoppage time the Union weren’t able to score one to win the game but a draw is more satisfactory than a loss especially since a loss would have all but diminished their dreams of the postseason. In the end the Union, as well as the Montreal Impact and Chicago Fire have 46 points, but because the Union have the least wins of the three, they are in 6th place.
Next week they are scheduled to take on Montreal which will be the most important game they have yet to play. But Sheanon Williams and Fabinho will be back, and hopefully so will Le Toux. McInerney’s scoreless drought is over, and with renewed confidence we can look to him to score. Also, Hackworth has finally found in Jose Kleberson a player who clearly should be included in the starting lineup. Zac MacMath has also proved to be an asset to the team. He has really stepped up during the Union’s playoff push despite mid-season struggles. If he is able to maintain such quality play our chances of victory in Montreal appear to be attainable.
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