D.C. United was defeated 3-0 by the Chicago Fire at RFK Stadium Oct. 4 in the organization’s second and final edition of this season’s College Night.
After dominating the game from the start, D.C. United (3-22-6, 15 Points) conceded two goals in the 24th and 26th minute, without response, before giving up the third moments before the final whistle.
As the match started the new, young United trio of midfielders Luis Silva, Jared Jeffrey and forward Conor Doyle combined to put real pressure on the Fire’s (12-12-7, 43 Points) defensive backline.
However, problems arose when the United attackers were looking to finish their chances, with Chicago goalkeeper Sean Johnson playing a large part in D.C.’s inability to find the back of the net.
In the 24th minute, on the counter, Chicago forward Juan Luis Anangono beat two D.C. defenders on the right wing, passing the ball right towards the goal, into the run of Jeff Larentowicz, who shot the ball into the near post and past United goalie Joe Willis.
Two minutes later, from a set piece, Chicago struck again when defender Bakary Soumarè found himself with a free shot at goal directly inside the box, after players from both teams scrambled to get to the ball with no success. Soumarè waited for his chance to strike, and blasted home the shot to put the Fire up 2-0.
For the remainder of the match, United controlled possession and went forward, creating threatening chances, but could not convert one. United forward Nick DeLeon was unlucky on two occasions, having clear shots at goal denied by Chicago keeper Sean Johnson.
In the 89th minute, with a diving header, Fire forward Quincy Amarikwa wrapped things up off midfielder Dilly Duka’s cross.
Immediately following the game, United brought out the U.S. Open Cup trophy they won Tuesday to celebrate the historic victory with their fans, who in most part, stuck around to show their support for the team.
D.C. Head Coach Ben Olsen and his players, despite the result, were proud of the performance. Speaking to DCUnited.com after the match, young midfielder Jared Jeffrey stated that, “When we play like that, we shouldn’t lose 3-0.”
Olsen was also proud of the performance, saying, “The scoreline’s a bit disappointing and I think that’s going to hurt our pride, but overall if we can take a look back and I look at the film of this game, I think there’s going to be a lot of good stuff to build on.”
D.C. United will face the Philadelphia Union next at RFK Stadium Oct. 12 at 7 pm.
