DC United’s last gasp at home comes up red in loss to Charlotte FC
DC United’s home finale fell short of a win as 2 red cards contributed to a 1-0 loss to Charlotte FC. Wilfried Zaha got the goal for the 3rd place team in the Eastern Conference table as the Black-and-Red once again wasn’t able to gain any points before the home fans.
DC United once again started out fairly well, as they had a quirky chance in the second minute that bounced off the post but didn’t go across the line. However, Charlotte controlled the bulk of the possession, and it was that pressure that led to the first major event of the afternoon. In the 19th minute, DC United goalkeeper Luis Barraza rushed forward to collect a ball, grabbing it with his body outside of the penalty area. It was not called initially by the referee, but seconds later, a VAR review was initiated and Barraza was given a straight red, reducing United to 10 men.
Just a few minutes later, United went down to 9 men after Aaron Herrera got into a scuffle with Wilfried Zaha. Herrera headbutted Zaha in the chest and was immediately shown a red card. Zaha took advantage of the 2-man advantage on the ensuing set piece, eventually collecting the ball and curling a shot past substitute goalkeeper Jordan Farr to make it 1-0.
The team was able to reorganize and did a much better job in the second half, but they weren’t able to get many scoring chances with the player deficit. They were able to minimize Charlotte’s offense for the most part, and even had a last gasp chance to level the score in second half stoppage time. However, DC was not able to get the ball across the goal line and the match ended with Charlotte getting the 3 points.
“We don’t have to speak about it, we have to show it,” head coach René Weiler said after the match, speaking of the progress the team is making towards next season. “Actions are more important. But they gave a good impression. I think the fans felt that they were fighting. They tried to protect our goal and even to score a goal, but it was too difficult today. But they made a good job, 9 against 11.”
“I think René did a good job of organizing us right away after the two red cards, and he was just kind of reinforcing and telling us, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing,'” forward Jackson Hopkins said. “It was a great [second] half for the circumstances and [René] was moving us to not quit and make sure [Charlotte] don’t score another, and we knew that with set pieces we were going to have some chances.”
Jordan Farr, who has become a bit of a fan favorite, made his MLS league debut last week against Philadelphia and played again today after Luis Barraza’s red card. After the match, he was at a loss for words, complimenting the fans who encouraged him the entire time.
“I mean like picking up a ball when losing 1-0…for an offsides free kick in our one and half and I’m getting cheered? I don’t know why I deserve that. You know, I think it’s amazing,” Farr said. “Like I even turned and looked at everyone and I was like, ‘Thank you!” You know, because to me, I don’t plan on going anywhere…I genuinely love this club and it’s only taken eight months.”
“That sort of support for even a guy like me shows like it just makes me want to go even further…I genuinely was blown away by the reception that I got. It was really neat.”
For the entire club, ultimately it was a season to forget at home. They were 2W-8L-7D in league matches, with the team also winning 2 US Open Cup matches at home after extra time (including one on penalties to Charlotte) and the friendly against Club América. They know it’s not good enough, and it will mean a very important offseason of strengthening the roster. René Weiler understands that part of the task will need to begin quickly.
“The team is not only struggling at home, we are down in the table. So we are struggling all time,” Weiler said. “And yeah, it’s very simple: The team is too weak. That is the result. The table don’t lie and I can’t do magic. So we need the players, and they have to bring in the quality to be more competitive.”
DC United is off next week during the October international break and then will finish out the season on October 18th on the road to Atlanta United.
Rene Weiler ought to be super angry and super proud of how we played down two for 75 minutes and another 11 down one. I consider the match a moral victory.
For most of this year (and probably longer than that) if we go down to 9 players, the team absolutely collapses. They really did hold their own for most of that game. I was especially impressed with what Benteke and Peltola were doing
Peltola has an excellent match and showed he has the potential to be an extremely high-quality player. It was really nice to see after he inexplicably was sitting on the bench during the Lesesne meltdown.
I’ve been saying that he’s really upped his game since he spent time with Finland back in June (I believe it was June at least). He’s not perfect, sure, but he’s really showing that he’s worth the money. Especially since he’s still young, and can continue to get better. Much better investment than Enow, at least
First, Barazza’s error (ie: the red card) was inexcusable. He’s a great shot stopper but you’ve got to figure that at this point we’re looking for a first team GK next year. Additionally, I wonder if Farr has been elevated or if Weiler is trying to see what he’s got ?
Second, on Peltola–I think he’s a fine player. I think his role and how he’s coached makes a huge difference. I was never completely down on him as some others were previously–it’s a matter of fit. In the right circumstances he can be a real asset.
Third, the Herrera red card–there should have been a yellow for Zaha’s sticking his legs out on Herrera. That said, the head butt was just stupid.
Zaha should’ve been off for a 2nd yellow in the 2nd half if he’d gotten a yellow on at least one of couple instances where he deserved one.
I think he was looking at Farr in the Philly game. This time, I think his hand was forced. Kim can start packing. Farr is a decent back up, and a good company guy.