United's high-flying offense was on full display the second half of the 2016 MLS season, and has players, staff and fans excited about what's to come in the Black-and-Red future. But not all goals are the products of individual brilliance. More often than not, the one who sets up the goal does just as much as the player on the scoresheet. Stay tuned all week on Twitter as we showcase the best from the year that was.
Lloyd Sam to Lamar Neagle v. Toronto FC | Oct. 1
It didn’t take long for the Ghanaian winger to build a rapport with teammates and his assist to Lamar Neagle for the second goal against Toronto showcased the team’s chemistry. A clever run by Neagle was rewarded with a perfectly timed through ball to split open the Toronto defense and pave the way for a Black-and-Red game-winner.
Patrick Mullins to Luciano Acosta v. Portland Timbers | Aug. 13
Patrick Mullins was another important component in the Black-and-Red’s improved offensive output. The 24-year-old was the answer to D.C. United’s goalscoring woes and he also proved to be just as adept at creating goals as well as scoring them. His vision to pick out Luciano Acosta with a cheeky chip over the Portland defenders showed how high the ceiling is for Mullins’ growth as a player.
Patrick Nyarko to Marcelo to Luciano Acosta v. Chicago Fire | Aug. 27
The 6-2 win against Chicago in August was an example of the Black-and-Red offensive unit performing at the peak of their abilities. The first goal started when Marcelo passed the ball into Nyarko’s feet. Marcelo made the overlapping run and Nyarko found the Brazilian with an expertly weighted backheel. Marcelo collected the ball and with his second touch, whipped the ball across the box to Luciano Acosta for the easy tap-in.
WINNER | Luciano Acosta to Álvaro Saborío v. Vancouver Whitecaps | April 9
No one epitomizes creativity more than midfield maestro Luciano Acosta. The Argentine’s flair and knack for attempting the spectacular made Acosta a threat to opposition’s defenses throughout the season. The 22-year-old led the team with 11 assists and his two against Vancouver showed the vision and range of passing that Acosta is capable of. The midfielder collected the ball in the midfield and picked out Álvaro Saborío with a curling through ball. Three minutes after, Acosta picked out Saborío for his second of the match with a through ball that beat three Vancouver defenders and provided Saborío with another first-time finish.
