Since arriving in the nation's capital on July 7, 2016, Lloyd Sam has remained a prominent figure in United’s offensive unit. The Leeds-born and London-raised player’s attacking intelligence and creativity have enabled the midfielder to contribute five goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances for the Black-and-Red. Now, as Sam pairs with the club's new youthful acquisitions, the midfielder is serving the Black-and-Red as an experienced veteran on the attack, assisting his side with both his quality on the ball and his vocal leadership.
Sam's arrival in 2016 coincided with the team’s offensive revival toward the end of the season, and the midfielder carried that same attacking hunger into the 2017 season. Despite United not achieving what they would have hoped to this season, Sam has proven once again that he possesses the quality necessary to inject the team with a vital element of creativity on the flanks and in the final third.
The 33-year-old leads the Black-and-Red in assists this season, and is the only player aside from Luciano Acosta who has scored multiple goals and tallied multiple assists (two goals, six assists). The midfielders have combined to be the creative linchpins for United’s attack, helping supply 17 of the Black-and-Red’s 31 goals in 2017.
Sam has remained a consistently-dangerous component of the United offense thanks to his ability to carve out attacking opportunities with deft touches and cutting passes. The right-footed veteran leads the team with 52 key passes this season and is fifth for passing accuracy in the opposition’s half (74.5%). Sam also prides himself on providing crosses from the wide areas, and is 11th in MLS for open crosses this season (65).
With the arrivals of Paul Arriola, Zoltán Stieber and Bruno Miranda in the summer transfer window, United’s depth in the wide positions is promising as the side prepares for next season. Sam’s veteran experience and proven quality should help the Black-and-Red start next season with more attacking finesse as they prepare to open their new home at Audi Field on a high note.
