Less than 24 hours after officially being acquired by the Black-and-Red, Jamaican forward Deshorn Brown stepped onto the pitch at RFK Stadium for the first time as a United player on Wednesday night against Atlanta United FC. The speedy forward entered in the second half as a substitute for Costa Rican forward José Ortiz in the 62nd minute and gave both United fans and the coaching staff a glimpse into the skills and traits he brings to the table.
“Yesterday coach asked me if I’m ready for some minutes and I said, 'yeah.'" Brown said after the match. "After playing [tonight], I see it’s very fast paced but I know that’s how MLS is. Once I get my match fitness and minutes up I think I’ll be doing really well.”
With several years of MLS experience under his belt (he finished second in Rookie of the Year Voting in 2013 and scored 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Colorado Rapids), head coach Ben Olsen knows what Brown is capable of. Adding an extra level of depth to the Black-and-Red roster with his ability to play up top or out wide, while also providing an instant goal threat, Brown's acquisition is a welcome addition to United.
"We got him for a reason," Olsen said. "We like his qualities and his personality. We'll get him fit and he'll help this group."
Brown also enjoyed the support from the fans in his first RFK experience. "It’s a good environment, I like how the fans they really cheer us on and I think it’s great. We just have to continue to work hard as a team and keep going."
