NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
After being off D.C. United was back on the pitch and faced off against Atlanta United at Audi Field. The black and red wanted to perform better than last year’s season sweep that Atlanta had and get back on the winning side of things coming off two straight losses. The match marked the return of homegrown player midfielder Chris Durkin and based on the start of the game things looked great. I and most fans thought we were heading to the first draw ever between these two clubs. This is the start of 3 straight home games and was a solid chance to gain some points and move in the direction in the east. Listening to manager Hernan Losadain his pre-match presser he is very positive heading into the match and excited to see what the new players bring to the squad. Looking at the stats seeing 10 corners it is hard to believe no balls ended in the back of the net. The issue of finishing off scoring chances has been an issue for more than one season now. Perhaps this is something Taxiarchis “Taxi” Fountas can help with once his work visa is finished. After what many called a suspect start it has been 3 straight losses for United and in that time ONE goal was scored.
One thing that was a must Saturday was solid defense anyone who follows MLS knows that Atlanta has some serious firepower up front and falling behind early would have not been a good look. The book on DCU around the league is that they got lucky with the first two games of the season and that once the level of competition leveled up they folded, this was an opportunity to shut that down against a solid opponent and they failed that mission. Something to build off of is the start we saw Saturday. The pace and chances created is positive which I hope to see more of with a different result in the final third. With lineup changes happening almost daily manager Hernan Losada is still looking for his elite 11. With the effort, the team gave it was disappointing to see Marcelino Moreno get a header past Bill Hamid and get Atlanta 3 points. Next up is another home date against Austin F.C. on April 16th at 7:30 pm est. Until then keep life on the front foot and find more soccer coverage here.
