After finishing 2016 with one of the league's most potent offenses with some help from summer transfers, United are once again looking for some new midseason additions to create a spark to an offense that has not achieved the same rhythm as last year. The first of those moves came with the acquisition of Jamaican striker Deshorn Brown, who the Black-and-Red acquired on June 20.
Brown began his career in 2013 with the Colorado Rapids, surging onto the scene as a potent goalscorer and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting to his teammate Dillon Powers. In two seasons with the Rapids, he netted 20 goals in 67 appearances before transferring overseas to continue his career. After a couple stops in Norway and China, Brown found himself back in the States, playing for the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Through a myriad of moves, the Black-and-Red were able to acquire Brown and add some much needed depth to the attack.
“Deshorn is an athletic forward with proven technical ability who has scored goals everywhere he has been”#DCUhttps://t.co/rRUwgzj2LPpic.twitter.com/7ENyR0PfRd
— D.C. United (@dcunited) June 20, 2017
"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."
Fitness is key, however, and while United need an immediate impact up top, Brown is still working on his stamina to make his first start and go a full 90 minutes. Brown’s minutes have been off the bench in his first two matches for the Black-and-Red. In just a small window, however, (a total of 52 minutes) he has shown certain skills/abilities that should leave fans salivating for more.
“Coach asked me if I’m ready for some minutes and I said, 'yeah,'" Brown said after his first appearance against Atlanta United last Wednesday. “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.”
In that first appearance, Brown was able to bring a different dynamic to the number nine position that United have seemingly lacked so far this season. A willingness to drive at defenders and take shots from different angles is a welcomed addition to the offensive strategy.
In his second appearance against the Philadelphia Union last Saturday, Brown reinforced those abilities and skills as United pushed for an equalizer. His ability to hold up the ball, create chances, and then attack the net creates a dynamic presence up top that will force opposing defenders to watch his every move.
For now, Brown will continue to work on his fitness as United prepare for another stretch of three matches in eight days before another FIFA break for CONCACAF Gold Cup. Brown is cup tied and could not feature for the Black-and-Red in U.S. Open Cup, but it’s only a matter of time before the Jamaican makes his mark for United on the pitch.
