D.C. United earned a well-deserved point in the Bronx this Sunday after a tough 0-0 draw against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. Both Sean Johnson and Bill Hamid displayed amazing performances for their respective clubs, securing a clean sheet for both sides.
In the early stages of the contest, defender Leonardo Jara pushed high up the field and broke through three NYCFC defenders to spring Paul Arriola free down the right wing. Arriola feathered a pass into Luciano Acosta, who rifled a shot towards the left corner of the net. Sean Johnson reacted promptly and made a brilliant save.
In the 24th minute, Acosta used his speed to force a turnover from NYCFC defender Alex Callens. The ball ricocheted off Acosta and fell to Rooney, who played Arriola through on goal for a close opportunity that was again saved by Johnson.
After a flurry of United chances, NYCFC began to grow into the game in later stages of the first half. Midfielder Alex Ring found space in front of the penalty box in the 31st minute, attempting a long, left-footed effort on Hamid’s net. The 6’4 keeper pushed the ball over the bar to keep the game tied at 0-0.
Ring would once again test Hamid, this time on his right foot in the 37th minute of the game. Hamid shuffled to his right to make the quick save on the NYCFC midfielder. New signing Alexandru Mitriță had the final opportunity for New York City in the first half with a left-footed shot that skyrocketed over the bar.
In the 71st minute, Joseph Mora played a brilliant ball down the left wing to Ulises Segura. Segura used some fancy footwork to maneuver around Maxime Chanot and create a one-on-one with Johnson. The NYCFC keeper made another strong save to keep the game level. The Boys-in-Blue continued to create dangerous opportunities against the United backline, but Hamid stood strong. In the 78', New York City had a dangerous free kick just outside the penalty box. Mitriță whipped the free kick on frame, but Hamid sprung to his left and made the sure-handed save.
D.C. United’s counter-attack was on full display in the 82nd minute. Acosta spun free from his defenders to spring Segura and Rooney on the break. Acosta passed the ball to Segura, who drove hard down the wing and squared the ball back to Acosta, who fired his first-timed shot on net, forcing Johnson to again come up with a solid save. The game finished 0-0, largely in part to the efforts of Hamid and Johnson.
The Black-and-Red continue their 2019 campaign this Saturday, March 16 against Real Salt Lake at Audi Field. The match will also be broadcasted live on FloFC. To purchase tickets for Saturday's match, click here.
