If there was any speculation Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber’s addition of D.C. United’s Alecko Eskandarian to the All-Star team was a charity case, Eskandarian put that notion to rest against Chicago on Saturday.
Not only did he keep alive United’s team record unbeaten streak (14 games), he also strengthened his case for MLS comeback player of the year and made a strong argument for his own inclusion in D.C.’s starting lineup with his toe-poke goal in the 74th minute. Eskandarian, who entered the game to start the second half, punctuated the score by putting his hand to his ear and welcoming the jeers from the 15,000 fans at Toyota Park.
“The Chicago fans are great and they were giving me a lot of hell during warmups and in the first half,” said Eskandarian, who is now tied with Christian Gomez for second on the team with seven goals. “So Josh Gros told me to do the old school 1992 Hulk Hogan taunt to the crowd. Just having a little bit of fun.”
United’s improved effort after halftime made up for some suspect play, particularly on defense, in the first half. The combination of Clyde Simms, Brian Carroll and Ben Olsen in the midfield also didn’t give United enough offensive options. Eskandarian’s appearance as a second-half substitute for Simms and Freddy Adu’s switch with Olsen out to the wing helped D.C. reassert its dominance.
