For United winger Lloyd Sam, the transition to the Black-and-Red side of the Atlantic Cup rivalry has been smooth. The 31-year-old England native played for the New York Red Bulls for nearly four years before being traded to D.C. United on July 7th but has since been a driving force behind the team’s improved attack, providing veteran leadership and the ability to find key passes in the attack.
Sam is a proven chance creator in MLS, using his speed and agility to beat defenders. Playing on the right wing, he is most dangerous when sprinting down the flanks and whipping pinpoint crosses into the box. Sam currently leads D.C. in key passes (32) and open play crosses (75) and has made a strong case to the coaching staff for a permanent spot in the starting eleven.
“He’s a guy that understands when to go and attack,” said United head coach Ben Olsen of Sam’s contribution to the team. “He’s got a final ball. He’s one of the best guys in the league in getting crosses off and connecting with forwards. He can score. He understands his role defensively. He’s a two-way player. [Lloyd’s] everything we want in that position.”
Olsen isn’t the only one glad to finally have Sam on their side after the Ghanaian international made a habit of scoring against the Black-and-Red. “Lloyd is a dangerous winger and has challenged us for years with the Red Bulls,” said Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations. “He is a creative player who not only generates many chances from wide areas with quality service but he is also a proven goal scorer.” Sam scored five goals against D.C. during his stint with New York, including a 90th-minute game-tying goal that salvaged a draw for the Red Bulls last season at RFK Stadium. “These are huge games,” said Sam of the rivalry between United and the Red Bulls. “I feel like after that kind of trade, it’s probably not just a huge game for me. It’s a huge game for their management for sure…[it] should be a fun one.”
Sam’s transition to D.C. was made easier by his familiarity and success in the area. “I know these guys quite well,” said Sam of his relationship with his new teammates. “We’ve played each other three times a year, every year. It was so easy to get in with the lads. I’m part of it.” In addition to his familiarity with the team and his new teammates, RFK Stadium is a special venue for Sam. He made his MLS debut here at RFK on August 29, 2012, as well as his first international appearance for Ghana last October.
For many players, being traded from one rival to the other would be a difficult task but Sam’s poise and maturity have made the transition seamless. While helping the team by adding another dimension to the attack, his experience and professionalism in the locker room has boosted a team in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
“We look at it more as a good acquisition…a guy who has been successful in this league, still has a couple of good years in him, and so far, he’s been great,” Olsen said. “He has a great attitude, and is excited about a new start."
