Ellis' big game against Olimpia shows the depth he offers United

Since joining D.C. United earlier this month, defender Kevin Ellis has been caught in a bit of a whirlwind. After Ellis was acquired by the Black-and-Red on Sept. 7, he was added to the first team roster and joined the squad in New York City the following day, where he immediately was called upon to help staff up a depleted United roster.

The past few weeks have been a rush for Ellis, but on Wednesday night he got back to where he is most comfortable, the pitch.

Ellis played the full 90 minutes and provided the assist on Dane Kelly’s goal in United’s 1-1 draw with top Honduran side CD Olimpia Wednesday night at Audi Field in the Telemundo 44 Challenge.

It was the first time Ellis played a full 90 minutes since Aug. 4 in a 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake when he was a member of the Chicago Fire, and it was a nice return for a player who wants to contribute to the Black-and-Red’s playoff run.

“I think the transition time has been cut down and I’ve fit in pretty well,” Ellis said following the match. “It felt really good to get 90 minutes. I hadn’t played 90 minutes in a month, I think, so it was good to play and start to get into a rhythm as we go into some games that really matter.”

United picked up Ellis after he was waived by Chicago thanks to his physicality and versatility. Against Olimpia, Ellis played central defense and made several key interventions to prevent scoring chances, while also displaying his ability to distribute the ball with his lob over the top to Kelly that resulted in United’s lone goal.

While in Chicago, Ellis slotted in at right back and showed his ability to push the game forward on the flank or fill in at center back. As United now head into their final stretch of the regular season, that versatility off the bench can prove to be extremely valuable at a time when the team has collectively asked more of themselves in their push for a playoff spot.

“You can tell that he’s eager,” Head Coach Ben Olsen said after the Olimpia friendly. “He sees the game really well. He looks after his teammates in the back and you could see how many times he bailed someone out today, whether it’s with his box-defending or just balls over the top.”

Good teams are defined by their depth, and as the Black-and-Red fight for the playoffs, being able to find contributors across the roster will be critical if United qualify for the postseason.

For Ellis, getting some good minutes and asserting himself against a tough opponent was the perfect way to shake off the rust and show that he can be relied on when the game counts, and the friendly was an opportunity that he took full advantage of.   

“It’s huge to get those minutes and contribute to the team and get that assist,” Ellis said. “Dane [Kelly] did all the hard work, it wasn’t an easy finish. I just wanted to show that I can contribute and I can help anywhere that I’m needed.”