DC United’s playoff quest appears to be a little brighter on Thursday, September 20th with a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union courtesy of a goal from Lionard Pajoy in the 67th minute. With the win, DC United improve to 14-10-5, 47 points, good for 4th place in the Eastern Conference passing both the Columbus Crew and the Houston Dynamo. As for the Philadelphia Union, their record slumps to 7-14-6 with only 29 points still placing them in 9th place in the East.
Lionard Pajoy’s goal came courtesy of some brilliant individual efforts from both Chris Pontius and the second half substitute Maicon Santos. Although United pulled through with the victory, DC must be weary of their lack of leadership. Branko Boskovic was found too static in the midfield, Bill Hamid was found being too tentative in his box, and Chris Pontius went missing for long stretches of the game. A win is a win, and Ben Olsen will be pleased with the three points; however, if DC United want to continue their playoff push there needs to be not only cohesion in their attacking style to fill in for the missing De Rosario, but there needs to be some leadership. Whether it comes from the defender, Brandon McDonald, Chris Pontius, or even the rookie Nick DeLeon-someone needs to speak up and fill the missing void.
The first half of the game was “too corrupt in the midfield” as commentator Taylor Twellman put it and indeed he was right. There were no real scoring chances in the first half other than Chris Pontius’ free kick from about 35 yards out which didn’t trouble the Union goalkeeper, Zac MacMath, too much. Going into Thursday nights game, DC was in 6th place, one spot out of the Eastern playoffs and coach Ben Olsen knew his team desperately needed points on the road. Typical of DC United games as of late, there were initial anxious moments at the back with easy give aways by Korb and McDonald especially because the Union were pressing for a much needed win. A few times Brandon McDonald was caught holding too high of a line allowing the speedy Jack McInerney to get behind the defense with complete ease. Not only was Brandon McDonald vulnerable in the first twenty minutes, also both Korb and Andy Najar were caught standing too static. Philadelphia’s winger Antoine Hoppenot was always a step quicker providing crosses that thankfully did not test DC’s keeper Bill Hamid until a few mistakes by the keeper proved to almost be costly. Hamid kept making mistakes with his clearances and seemed too relaxed on a back pass in the 28th minute that Jack McInerney almost stole away from him, but luckily the defenders were there to quell the threat. The first real threat for DC United came with Chris Pontius’ swerving free kick effort from about 35 yards on Zac MacMath that was parried away outside of the box and out of danger. Overall, besides Pontius’ long range shot, DC lacked the killer attitude in the final third and were unable to get any momentum.
The second half proved a more solid performance for United as both McDonald and Jakovic became more comfortable with one another in the center of defense as well as Pajoy doing a fantastic job of holding the ball, however his distribution was not on point on the day. In the 55th minute Boskovic played a beautiful driven cross to the six yard box which found a streaking Pajoy wide open, but he skied the cross well over MacMath’s goal. With Lionard Pajoy starting the game up top by himself he was not supported, which Branko Boskovic should have provided a supporting role. Instead of Boskovic almost playing as a second forward behind Pajoy he was seen dropping too deep into the midfield not allowing any possession to occur and no support play. That being said, Ben Olsen had no problems continuing his theme of taking out Boskovic first in the 57th minute to be replaced by Maicon Santos; and thank goodness he did. Santos made an immediate impact by spreading out the Union defense providing more room for Pontius and DeLeon to work. DC finally broke the deadlock in the 67th minute from a great buildup play from Maicon Santos to the streaking Chris Pontius who beat MacMath then chipped a ball to the penalty spot where Pajoy calmly chested the ball down and side volleyed the ball into the back of the net. What a great feeling it must have been not only for DC to take the lead, but also for Pajoy to score against his old club on the road at PPL Park.
In the 77th minute the Philadelphia Union brought on Freddy Adu who was counted on to provide the killer ball for the Union-but to no avail. DC became more fluid with their attack and Maicon Santos paired up beautifully with Pajoy to close out the game. Santos was the game changer, and Ben Olsen should be credited for making another “super sub” with last weekends Lewis Neal and Thursday nights, Maicon Santos. My Man of the Match was Lionard Pajoy for his resilience throughout the game and he finished when he was counted on.
Thursday’s win snaps the six game losing skid on the road for DC United, ironically their last road win was back on June 16th against the Union at PPL Park. DC United look to continue their winning ways on Sunday, September 23rd against Chivas USA at RFK Stadium at 7 PM. Chivas are currently last in the Western Conference with 28 points and a record of 7-14-7. Another key matchup and must win for United as both Houston and Columbus are within one and two points, respectively. DC must continue on with their success and search within themselves to break their four year MLS Playoff drought and get the three points at home on Sunday.
(image courtesy of dcunited.com)
