WASHINGTON – The Perry Kitchen hype machine has been in full effect ever since the US youth international inked a Generation Adidas deal following his freshman season at the University of Akron last year.
And after being picked by D.C. United in the SuperDraft, the 19-year-old has received rave reviews from United’s coaching staff. On Saturday, Kitchen finally got the chance to show what the fuss was about – and passed the test with flying colors.
As expected, the No. 3 overall pick started and played the full 90 minutes in central defense, making his professional debut while partnering with Dejan Jakovic in DC’s 3-1 win. Together, they shackled Crew forwards Andres Mendoza and Jeff Cunningham, coming up just short of a shutout when Robbie Rogers scored on a late penalty kick in the second half.
“I had to adjust a little bit [to MLS],” he said. “I did my homework, I think. The coaches helped me and told me [Cunningham’s] quick, he likes to get in behind. I think I did well and the guys behind me helped too – Dejan, Pat [Onstad].”
Throughout the game, Kitchen was solid and steady, hardly resembling a teenager debuting in a very important position on the field.
Saturday’s win also marked the first time Kitchen played in front of the DC home crowd. With a little more than 18,000 in attendance, he said the support gave him a bit of a boost – particularly in the second half when United scored three times to seize control of the game.
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“It just motivates you,” he said. “When you got the crowd and the fans behind you, it helps you do an extra run or an extra sprint or whatnot. It was amazing.”
In the wake of his first game, Kitchen departed from DC on Sunday to join up with the US U-20s in Dallas for a week of training in advance of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Guatemala.
“He was great and we are going to miss him for the 20s,” Ben Olsen said after Saturday’s game, "so we are going to need a couple guys even next week."
As a result, Kitchen will be unavailable for the next few weeks as he plays a part in the US’ quest for a spot in the U-20 World Cup, to be held in Colombia in June. Newly acquired defender Rodrigo Brasesco, who came on as a substitute on Saturday, is expected to start in Kitchen’s place Saturday at New England.
The qualifying tournament begins next week as the US open play on March 29 against Suriname. And while the prospect of once again representing his country was exciting for Kitchen, he was already thinking about coming back to suit up for DC again.
“I’m excited,” he said. “Anytime you can go down and represent your country it’s a great feeling. It’s going to be fun, but I’m definitely excited to get back and play with DC again.”
Should the U-20s taste success, Kitchen could miss up to four matches as the tournament is scheduled to last until April 10, one day after DC play the LA Galaxy at RFK Stadium.
