Featured image courtesy of D.C. United, Hannah Wagner

D.C. United’s fortitude earned them a point away against FC Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon, making it two consecutive draws on the road for the Black-and-Red.

Failing to ever find a consistent rhythm or produce prolonged periods of possession, the clash in Ohio was less so pretty, more so gritty. In a rather uneventful first 45′, the teams steadily went blow for blow with attacking moves that failed to materialize into anything more.

The second half opened with more of the same choppy back and forth, but in the 68′, those choppy waters would soon turn into a storm that United was forced to weather until the final whistle. Lucas Bartlett – operating at the heart of D.C.’s defense – was forced to exit after taking a knock, instantly leading to a change in the match’s dynamic.

Cincinnati played out the last 20′ on the front foot, generating attack after attack, but a group effort from United and their determined back line were able to keep the Supporters’ Shield holders at bay with last ditch blocks and a few wonder saves.

Takeaways:

Brilliant Bono: Alex Bono was undoubtedly the man of the match, coming up with several spectacular saves (the best of the bunch coming in the 84′) to help ensure that D.C. headed home with a point.

It takes a village: With several key players gone through injury and Bartlett coming off with a knock, Lesesne was able to rely on a variety of players to help get a result. Whether it be the experience offered by seasoned United players like Pedro Santos and Mateusz Klich, a sense of reliability being shown by new acquisitions like Aaron Herrera and Matti Peltola, or the energy and dynamism shown by youngsters like Kristian Fletcher or Jacob Murrell, everybody had an important part to play. Overall a good result under the circumstances that should boost team morale.

Lack of reliable depth: While it was nice to see a full squad push to get the result, it also highlighted problem areas, especially up front. With central attacking cogs such as Christian Benteke and Ted Ku-DiPietro missing the match through injury, there was a painful lack of creativity going forward. Comparably, in defense, the lack of stability seen when Bartlett came off was noticeable. Some players within the squad have the capabilities needed to step up and fill the inevitable gaps that will come throughout the season, but we’ll have to wait and see who is up to the challenge of doing so.

Watch the highlights from FC Cincinnati vs D.C. United

Box Score

FC Cincinnati: 0

D.C. United: 0

Lineups

FC Cincinnati: Roman Celentano, Alvas Powell (DeAndre Yedlin 58′), Miles Robinson, Kipp Keller, Matt Miazga, Luca Orellano, Obinna Nwobodo (Malik Pinto 32′), Luciano Acosta (C), Pavel Bucha (Gerardo Valenzuela 84′), Corey Baird (Yuya Kubo 84′), Sergio Santos (Aaron Boupendza 57′)

D.C. United: Alex Bono, Lucas Bartlett (Matai Akinmboni 68′), Matti Peltola, Pedro Santos (C), Aaron Herrera, Christopher McVey, Jared Stroud (Kristian Fletcher 58′), Jackson Hopkins (Jacob Murrell 77′), Gabriel Pirani (Conner Antley 68′), Mateusz Klich, Cristian Dájome

Misconduct Summary

FC Cincinnati: Luciano Acosta (yellow card) 55’

D.C. United: Aaron Herrera (yellow card) 43’, Jared Stroud (yellow card) 51’, Mateusz Klich (yellow card) 56’, Pedro Santos (yellow card) 72’