The 2016 season was filled with magical moments for D.C. United fans and players. The midseason turnaround kickstarted the Black-and-Red attack and the team played some of the most entertaining soccer to watch in the league. Watch the video and read on to relive some of the best moments from this year.
Alhaji Kamara breaks record for fastest goal in MLS debut | May 27
Forward Alhaji Kamara marked his MLS debut in spectacular fashion when he set foot on the field against Sporting Kansas City in May. The Sierra Leonean scored the fastest-ever goal by an MLS debutant with a powerful finish after a scramble in the box. Not only did the goal serve as the game-winner, it also marked D.C. United’s first road victory of the season. The win proved to be the spark and D.C. United left Kansas City with a newfound confidence moving forward in the regular season.
Rob Vincent scores first MLS goal off bizarre indirect free kick | Sept. 16
Midfielder Rob Vincent played a major role in United’s ascendence towards the tail end of the season. His tireless efforts were eventually rewarded when the 26-year-old scored his first MLS goal against Chicago in September. When Sean Johnson was called for handling a back pass, Rob Vincent stepped up to the ball and buried the indirect free kick into the roof of the net to give United a 1-0 lead.
United reclaim Atlantic Cup trophy
There aren’t many better feelings than beating the rival New York Red Bulls in the Atlantic Cup. The determination of the team made this year’s victory even sweeter. After beating New York 2-0 in May and earning a come-from-behind 2-2 draw in August, it was looking bleak for D.C. United when they went down 2-0 again to the Red Bulls in the final game of the series. With limited sights on goal, United needed a spark, which materialized in the form of a goal from center back Steve Birnbaum late in the second half. With the Red Bulls caught on their heels, Lamar Neagle snuck in the game-tying goal in the 95th minute to earn a road point and claim the 2016 Atlantic Cup.
WINNER | Patrick Mullins scores first professional hat trick
Patrick Mullins hit the ground running when he joined United in July and scored five goals in his first seven appearances. Mullins’ hat trick against Chicago confirmed just how lethal the former Maryland Terrapin is in front of goal and gave fans a reason to get excited about the abilities of the forward. His first came when he was perfectly positioned in between two defenders and slotted in a Patrick Nyarko pass with his first touch. The second goal showcased the chemistry between Luciano Acosta and Mullins after the forward made a darting run into the box which was rewarded with a clever pass from Acosta. With Sean Johnson bearing down on Mullins, the 24-year-old lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to get his second goal of the night. Mullins’ third goal demonstrated his goalscoring instincts when he intuitively flicked in a Sean Franklin cross and secured his first professional hat trick.
