DeRo’s double, Hamid’s call-up, and other news

Last Saturday, D.C. United gutted out a 2-0 at San Jose. Dwayne De Rosario’s two second half goals gave D.C. a lead in a frustrating game for both teams. It was only after Andy Najar was sent off for a professional foul that San Jose seized the initiative, but a committed rear-guard performance saw D.C. through to the three points.

The game was destined to be a slug-fest. Not only did D.C. United have severe injury issues up front(missing Wolff, Nwgenya, and Davies), but San Jose had similar woes at the back, and Steven Lenhart, who had so much success in their last game against D.C., was missing due to personal issues. Combine that narrow field, and only one true line-hugging wide player(Convey), the game was a showcase of a packed midfield, long-balls, and crowded final thirds.

More after the jump.

De Rosario showed exactly why D.C. took the gamble to bring him to United. He’s a class above most MLS players, and his ability to score and create is an attribute that this team lacked before his arrival, especially on a consistent basis.

It’s another solid win on the road which is becoming the defining characteristic of D.C.’s team this season. Next up are two critical matches at home against Vancouver and Toronto where United must get favorable results or see their playoff chances slip away.

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New U.S. national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann named his first U.S. Squad for the upcoming friendly against Mexico on August 10th. Bill Hamid was one of the two goalkeepers selected, the other being USMNT’s current #1 Tim Howard. First off, Congratulations are in order for Hamid. Representing one’s country is a top moment for almost every player in the sport.

And he’s earned it. After being thrown to the wolves last season behind a backline that was more of an exploding dam rather than a leaky sink in the way they conceded goals, he’s shown great improvement in his play as United have built around him a core of young defenders, like Hamid, who have plenty of potential. Growing pains are just apart of the process, and Hamid has eagerly pushed through them, and has shown to be a promising potential not just because of his talent, but his professionalism. He looks every bit the leader and a future top goalkeeper.

If capped, he’ll be just the second home-grown/MLS academy player to achieve the honor of representing the U.S. National Team, Juan Agudelo of New York Red Bulls being the first.

Hamid’s rapid rise from academy player to one of MLS’ most promising talents underlines not only his personal work ethic and talent, but that academies and the relatively new Home-grown rules are a game changer for MLS.

I’m certainly happy for Hamid. I hope he enjoys the experience and can get on the field to earn his first cap.

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Hamid isn’t the only D.C. academy product making waves on the international stage. Jalen Robinson, a defender in D.C.’s academy , scored a goal for the U-18 US team against Mexico at the Milk Cup last week.

Not only that, he sparked big debate throughout the U.S. soccer world after Paul Tenorio’s piece in The Washington Post discussed the issues involving top soccer athletes in this country deciding about going pro immediately after high school or going to college. Robinson looks set for Wake Forest.

Here’s the link to Paul Tenorio’s article.

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Santino Quaranta and Devon McTavish were both upgraded to questionable on D.C.’s injury list. This is a very promising sign as both have been out for the entire season dealing with the after-effects of concussions. In response to Quaranta’s nearing return, while United currently are struggling with injuries up top and now the suspended Najar, I hope the proper precautions will be taken before rushing either back onto the field. Can’t wait to see them both on the field.

Category: Current Roster, DC United Team News