As D.C. United focuses on winning the Eastern Conference after clinching its spot in the playoffs, let’s take a look back at some of the big plays against Eastern Conference opponents.
April 5: United earned it first win of 2014 with a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The first goal was an own goal from Jose Goncalves who mis-volleyed a cross from Fabian Espindola.
Then, Chris Rolfe, acquired just two days prior, finished a perfect Espindola service with just one touch.
April 12: The Black-and-Red played host to rival New York Red Bulls, a game in which the home side scored in the 4th minute and held on to that lead until the final whistle. The game-winner came from the head of veteran midfielder Davy Arnaud.
May 10: D.C. United’s first road win came at PPL Park against I-95 rival Philadelphia Union. In the 6th minute of the clash, Rolfe calmly collected the ball from a deflected cross and volleyed it home.
May 31: The Black-and-Red faced Sporting Kansas City at RFK Stadium. It was the first meeting with the reigning MLS Cup Champions in 2014, and Fabian Espindola ensured a United win with a fantastic goal.
June 11: The 4-2 thriller against Montreal Impact put D.C. on top of the Conference heading into the World Cup break, but it was important for other reasons as well. Nick DeLeon opened his scoring account with the game-tying second goal and Luis Silva, United’s leading scorer (11) scored his first of the year, and then went on to score a hat trick. Third, MVP candidate Espindola had all three assists and was fouled in the box for a converted penalty kick.
Nick DeLeon Game-Tying
Silva’s second of the night, the game-winner
July 5: The next two matches against Eastern Conference opponents came against Toronto FC. Starting with a 2-1 win on the road, thanks to a Perry Kitchen header.
July 30: United hosted the Canadian side, seeing a 3-0 rout of the visitors. Eddie Johnson opened the scoring in the 6th minute, perfectly placing Kitchen’s service in the back of the net. (Take a peek at where Kitchen is at the beginning of this highlight.)
August 23: Now, to one of the best games of the season—United’s 3-0 thrashing of Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park. The Black-and-Red’s first-ever win at the venue was the statement game of the season, so far.
Silva to Espindola:
Silva to Rolfe:
Rolfe to Kitchen:
August 31: Moving right along to a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls that earned DCU the 2014 Atlantic Cup.
Here is Silva beating Luis Robles to find the net for the game-winner.
September 20: In Chicago, United showed its true character, battling back from a 2 goal deficit with a Luis Silva penalty kick, earned by Steven Birnbaum, then a converted a stunning free kick for Silva’s second on the night, tying the score. Perry Kitchen then scored his fifth of the season for United’s third goal.
Silva’s perfect free kick:
Kitchen’s finish puts United ahead, before giving up the game-tying goal:
September 27: Silva’s goal against the Union put his squad in the position to clinch a Playoff berth the next weekend with a draw or a win, which happened after a 0-0 draw with SKC.
D.C. United has three Eastern Conference opponents in its final three games of the MLS Regular Season. The Black-and-Red hosts the Chicago Fire at RFK on October 18. BUY TICKETS
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