Technical hurdles are going to require that some quotes from tonight appear a bit later, but some thoughts on the second dramatic victory in a row for D.C. United — the third in a row if you count what happened last week against AC Milan:
Andy Najar is quickly building something pretty special. The 17-year-old was the buzz of United’s win last weekend over Chivas USA, not only scoring but wreaking havoc on the wing for most of the evening. He didn’t get the chance to do the same tonight, but he didn’t have to. Instead, he used the combination of his youthful legs and explosive talents to slice between tiring RSL midfielders Will Johnson and Tony Beltran and finish off the play with a stunning game-winning goal. Make no mistake, he’s still majorly raw tactically. But he’s a winner.
“He showed a change of pace that you don’t see too often with a player of his age at this level, and it was a brilliant finish,” said United assistant coach Kris Kelderman, who manned the sideline tonight in place of suspended head coach Curt Onalfo. “The kid’s a warrior. His work rate is unbelievable, he can run forever, he’s quicker than most people give him credit for, he’s techinical. If theres 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.”
D.C. was hugely reserve heavy, with only Stephen King and Jordan Graye from the first team among the first eleven. But the system was in place, and even if it wasn’t pretty, it still worked. The first 45 minutes were nearly unwatchable. Troy Perkins made a couple good saves, and Boyzzz Khumalo should’ve finished his solo counterattack, but the rest of the half was a muggy, yucky mess — typical of a reserve match, to be honest. Yet, United was also organized against the reigning MLS Cup champions, who played five of 11 regulars and pressed the issue for most of the match. In addition, the second half changes only affected the offense, not the back line, which stayed intact. Much credit due to Barry Rice. The rookie endured major cramps in his calf to twice clear balls off the goal line, and he was a steady presence throughout.
There remains no compelling argument for Luciano Emilio or Jaime Moreno to do anything more than they currently are required. That means, in MLS matches, they’re coming off the bench, if that. Emilio tested Kyle Reynish from distance early, and he finished the penalty kick, but it’s not news in this space that the vintage Brazilian of 2007 is gone, and the Brazilian himself of 2010 will likely be the same come July. As for Moreno, it’s got to be frustrating to be where he is after such a great preseason, but he simply isn’t able to put the same kind of stamp on matches that he was able to in seasons past.
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