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DC United Ties Yet Again 0-0

It is hard to gauge the success of DC United’s rebuilding efforts when they still get results with so few goals. But for two recent three goal disasters, a strong defense could be cited. Perhaps those games are anomalies.

The team continues to miss two vital elements, Tai Baribo and Kye Rowles. In Coach Rene Weiler’s words, “There’s an impact when we have two strong players from our squad not on the field because we don’t have these massive squads like, for example LAFC, but I repeat, they (the team) made a great game.”

Into the breach, Weiler moved Andre Dozzell from defensive midfield to central defense and the arrival of Kimito Nono further strengthened the back end. The latter’s contribution was well highlighted against LAFC’s powerful wing duo of Heung Min Son and Denis Bouanga. As Weiler put it, “You can’t control such players 90 minutes, but Nono did it very well, and yeah, the teammates, they helped him. We were very close all the time. Always another teammate backed up.”

When Rowles returns, Dozzell can move back into midfield which should strengthen the transition to offense. The return of Baribo should further boost the attack. Despite Baribo’s talent, the team still lacks the impact player who will key offensive success. As United has not acted during the transfer window that ended on 2 September, they cannot expect any fortunate acquisitions.

Weiler has been adamant that making the playoffs, while a nice goal, is not the priority, “We are much better than the last season. But, at the end, I’m not speaking about the playoffs. Maybe it takes a little bit more time, and then we have to accept it. And what other teams are spending? That is not important. Important is that we are bringing good players in, and of course sometimes money talks. But when I see the team’s performance today, then I’m really satisfied to have players fighting everyone for the others, and then we will find the players we have to find to become stronger.”

Still, the playoffs remain a possibility. The table is very crowded from 8^th through 12^th place and DC will face two teams below them next Wednesday and a week from Saturday. Cincinnati, this Saturday’s foe, have had a very busy past month with two MLS ties, three Leagues Cup games and a devastating 4- 0 loss last Saturday to Nashville. They may be more tired than United and the battle may be won or lost by performance of both teams’ substitutes.

An important trait that coach Weiler has instilled in his players is flexibility. A great illustration was United’s response to LAFC’s choice of rapid restart in place of the customary, but not mandatory, ceremonial restart. The instant a foul was called, LAFC put the ball down and started their attack. Matti Peltola described the response, “I think they recognize that they got us kind of off guard, and that’s something we need to be better prepared because that’s a too easy way for them to get a good bottom scoring chance if we’re not ready in those situations.”

Further illustrating flexibility, keeper Sean Johson, whose great saves kept United in the game, described the contribution of Dozzell in a new role, “When we need it the most, guys have stepped up in big moments. He’s another one of those guys that has been really solid since he’s gotten to the club. Great addition for us.”

Dozzell was modest in describing the change from the English Championship to MLS, “It’s very physical. You know a lot of good players now, and the league is always improving. So yeah, it’s a good time for everyone to be to be in the league, and yeah, I’m just looking to take it in my stride and try and help DC.”

With that positive approach, which is visible across the roster, DC United seems to be running ahead of schedule despite lacking the star power to contend for trophies this season.