With the summer “silly season” finally over, D.C. United can get back to business. Eleven MLS regular season games remain and the team also expects to make a deep run in the U.S. Open Cup.
But D.C.’s success in three international friendlies over the last month, culminating in Wednesday’s superbly-played 1-1 draw with Real Madrid in Seattle, leaves a lasting impression on the state of American soccer.
“I can definitely tell you that when they go back to wherever that their perception will change a little bit as far as I think they respect us as being hardworking professionals who can play this game,” said forward Alecko Eskandarian, who scored United’s goal against Real. “We might not be exactly at their level yet, but we definitely have a lot of potential and we’re able to get results.”
Just as they did against Celtic and in the MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea, United players displayed continuity, confidence and talent against the Spanish giants. The Pacific Northwest was introduced to Freddy Adu, who thrilled the crowed and proved he’s ever closer to being ready for Europe. Jaime Moreno showed his masterful touch, and goalkeeper Troy Perkins’ world-class save of a Roberto Carlos free kick helped demonstrate why he’s the best goalkeeper in MLS.
Eskandarian’s hard-fought battle with tenacious Real fullback Michel Salgado was one of a number of individual clashes that resulted in mutual admiration.
“At the end of the game, we traded jerseys and he said, ‘Good luck,’ to me in Spanish, and I said, ‘Good luck,’ back. It was a sign of respect,” said Eskandarian.
Though United was delayed in its return to the Washington, D.C., area on Thursday, the coaching staff won’t wait long to get the team back on the training field.
“They’re well aware of what it takes, and what’s expected of them. It doesn’t matter if it’s one of our teams or if it’s Real Madrid,” said D.C. United assistant coach Tommy Soehn after the MLS All-Star Game.
“I think as soon as the game’s over you start looking forward to the next one.”
