Lineups:
DC United
Starting Lineup: Alex Bono, Cristian Dájome (Gabriel Pirani 86′), Lucas Bartlett, Matti Peltola, Christopher McVey, Aaron Herrera, Jared Stroud (Kristian Fletcher 86′) Mateusz Klich, Jackson Hopkins (Steven Birnbaum 74′), Jacob Murrell (Ted Ku-DiPietro 64′), Christian Benteke
Unused Subs: Tyler Miller, Garrison Tubbs, Matai Akinmboni, Martin Rodríguez, Pedro Santos
Captain: Christian Benteke
Formation: 3-5-2
Philadelphia Union
Starting Lineup: Oliver Semmle, Jako Glesnes, Damion Lowe, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner, Daniel Gazdag, Alejandro Bedoya, Jack McGlynn, Leon Flach (Jose Martinez 67′), Quinn Sullivan (Mikael Uhre 66′), Julián Carranza
Unused Subs: Andrew Rick, Jack Elliott, Jeremy Rafanello, Jesus Bueno, Chris Donovan, Tai Baribo
Formation (4-4-2)
Recap
On a rainy Saturday night in the Nation’s capital, DC United extended the growing narrative around this team, as they again dropped points from a winning position. With the draw against the Union, DC United have now lost 12 points from a winning position this season. The good news is that the Black & Red are putting themselves in position to be ahead, the less good is they haven’t yet learned how to put these games away.
That said, there was more good to see in this game than bad, which is how Head Coach Troy Lesesne described it in his post game press conference. Going up two goals to zero in the first half, United showed they are no longer the whipping boys that the Union have treated them in recent years. The Black & Red were only tied by the Union because of two impressive goals that were completely against the run of play. The tying goal was a worldy that no MLS goalie would have been able to stop, and Jack McGlynn is only going to hit that shot maybe 10% of the time he attempts it.
Unfortunately United was still unable to break through against the Union. This draw extended the Union’s unbeaten run against the Red & Black to five matches, a stretch dating back to August 2021.
This was definitely a game where the progress the team is making could be seen, but it also showed that they still are a ways from the consistency to be considered one of the top teams in the east.
First Half
United made a formation change and came out in a 3-4-2-1, with Matti Peltola coming out as the Left Center Back, and Jackson Hopkins as the Center Defensive Midfielder. It was a change that brought out the best in both of these young players. Hopkins especially has really settled in as a six/eight in the midfield. His ability to pick up the ball and distribute has greatly improved as the year has progressed.
By dropping Peltola into the back line, the Black & Red have an additional player capable of hitting pinpoint long passes, who can also cover a lot of ground. Early in the game this change was very successful, as United was able to keep the Union penned in. The opening minutes saw United in control and the Union unable to get any rhythm.
It was not a surprise that United scored first, but it was a surprise who scored first. It was Cristian Dajome who scored his first goal of the 2024 season after an amazing sequence of passes. The Union had given the ball up on a turnover in their half, which caught the defenders out of position. Quick passing and smart movement saw Jarred Stroud with the ball at the end line. He put the ball back in front of the goal, where it found an on-rushing Dajome, who one-time smashed it into the top of the goal. It was one of the best offensive sequences that United have performed all season.
The goal seemed to wake the Union up as they sought to respond immediately as homegrown Quinn Sullivan attempted a cross into the box, just missing connection with Gazdag. Then a few minutes later Union midfielder Jack McGlynn picked up the ball at midfield and dribbled to just the outside of the penalty box and drew a foul. The Union ran a well drilled free kick that had Carranza hit the crossbar, narrowly missing the equalizer in the 30th minute. This again showed that the number of set pieces United gives up is troublesome.
Three minutes later Jacob Murrell doubled the lead with his first pro career goal for the Black & Red.
The Black & Red dominated possession for most of the first half, moving the ball around quickly as they attempted to find another opening.
The line of Union Center Backs had to work double time to clear multiple aerial balls aimed at Christian Benteke.
Unfortunately DC gave up a set piece, which led Alejandro Bedoya scored just before halftime to get the Union back into the game.
Score at the first half whistle – DC United 2 – Philadelphia Union 1
Second Half
The Black & Red looked more likely to get the game’s next goal for much of the second half. The second forty-five minutes was marked by intense back-and-forth between the two sides, as each team attempted to gain the upper hand. DC United’s defense held strong against Philadelphia’s counters, while their own offensive efforts kept the Union’s defense on high alert.
A defensive header directly in front of goal in the 72nd minute, stopped Ted Ku-DiPietro from scoring his second goal of the season, and United from doubling its lead. This would prove unfortunate for DC as not to long later, the Union’s Jack McGlynn scored his second goal of the season. He struck the ball with his left foot from about 35 yards out, and put the ball in the top corner where Bono had no chance of stopping.
Neither team was really able to create anything for the rest of the match, and a draw felt like a fair result.
It will add to the narrative of United giving up points, but it was necessary for a goal of the week candidate to tie it up. United’s defense was much better than the week before. It really highlights United’s need for a more consistent second scorer.
Full Time
DC United 2 – Philadelphia Union 2
Man of the Match: Jared Stroud
Jared Stroud had his best game as a member of the Black & Red. He made passes to set up both goals to tie his career high with five assists in only his 11th appearance for DC United.
Player Ratings:
- Alex Bono 6.0
- Lucas Bartlett 6.6
- Christopher McVey 6.9
- Matti Peltola 6.9
- Jackson Hopkins 6.7
- Aaron Herrera 7.1
- Jared Stroud 8.6
- Mateusz Klich 7.4
- Cristian Dájome 7.6
- Jacob Murrell 7.2
- Christian Benteke 6.8
Subs:
- Ted Ku-DiPietro 6.4
- Steve Birnbaum 6.0
- Gabriel Pirani 6.3
- Kristian Fletcher 6.0
Up Next: Travel down south to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to play Atlanta United.
Written by: RJ Rolsen
Leave a Reply