Thank goodness I didn’t take part in a drinking game for this match. Eight goals were scored in total, but DC United was on the losing side of a 5-3 result against the San Jose Earthquakes. Assuming Twitter is correct, the five goals allowed have been the most allowed by United since 2008. Chris Wondolowski and Steven Lenhart both recorded braces and lit up DC keeper Joe Willis who, up until this match, was having a successful stint as the starter.
My reaction to this match is more apathetic than usual after a loss. I expected this one to be tough because of the attacking duo of Wondo and Lenhart (whom I’ve taken to calling “Hair” since 2009 after watching him play against DC at Crew Stadium). However, I am disappointed with allowing five goals. Fans can say “Well we only had one healthy centerback” or something of the sort, but you cannot use that excuse for five goals. Maybe one or two at best, but not five. Keep in mind three of the usual starting four on the backline were playing last night (Woolard, Russell, and McDonald).
It was real nice to see Hamdi Salihi FINALLY score. For us the fans, its a breath of fresh air. Our DP finally has a goal and hopefully many more to come. For Salihi, obviously it had to be weighing on his mind. Maybe this first goal can be the beginning of an open floodgate from the striker.
Speaking of goals, Dwayne De Rosario’s goal was just sick. That’s his second in as many matches, and maybe he’s coming alive as well on the goal scoring end. He’s already picked up seven assists on the year to boot (no pun intended).
Willis had a forgettable night in the net after being peppered for five goals. A lot of fans are now wanting Hamid to come back. As I sit here now, I wonder if the final score would have been 5-3 with Hamid in the match instead. Willis has proven himself to be a solid keeper, and one bad night shouldn’t always doom a spot on the starting XI, but maybe this was the break Hamid was waiting for. Personally, I like both keepers. Whichever starts on Saturday is cool with me.
There’s really not much more to say on this match. Yeah, centerback depth is a big deal as Wondo and “Hair” pointed out. But let’s be real with ourselves too: This result could easily be the other way on any other night. DC’s offense is scary good, that’s a fact. The upcoming matches might turn into situations of simply outscoring the opponent. While it will give fans heart attacks, it could make for some exciting barn burners like the one we experienced last night.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
