Andy Najar tried to duck out of the D.C. United locker room before the media could get to him Wednesday night.
The shy 17-year-old out of Edison High School has yet to develop a comfort for dissecting his own play with reporters. But he’ll have ample opportunity to work on those skills if he continues to build on the performances he has strung together during United’s mini-resurgence over the last week and a half.
“I’m trying to give my best,” Najar said. “And I’m hoping to get more opportunities to demonstrate that on the field.”
After two goals in the last two games, including his stepover and split of two Real Salt Lake defenders en route to a stunning game-winning overtime goal in a U.S. Open Cup qualifying victory Wednesday, Najar will get that chance when the two teams meet again Saturday in a higher-stakes regular-season encounter.
United remains just 2-8 in league play, but the club now owns a three-game winning streak overall that started with last week’s exhibition upset of AC Milan.
Salt Lake (6-3-1) will return to RFK Stadium after celebrating its 2009 MLS Cup title with President Obama at the White House on Friday.
“We’re in a situation where we’re trying to turn a corner and get some rhythm going,” United assistant coach Kris Kelderman said.
Najar’s return to the starting lineup against AC Milan and last weekend against Chivas USA — his first league start in four matches — restored some of the offensive flow on the wing. Like his work in front of the press, he’s still far from a finished product. But his instincts have proved as strong as the club’s instincts to get him signed this spring despite his youth and inexperience.
“The kid’s a warrior,” Kelderman said. “His work rate is unbelievable. He can run forever. He’s quicker than most people give him credit for. He’s technical. If there’s any room for improvement, it’s just tactical awareness, and that’s to be expected with a player of his age and experience. It’s exciting to see the potential he has.”
