The Starting Lineups
DC United
Starters: Tyler Miller, Donovan Pines, Derrick Williams, Victor Pálsson, Andy Najar (Jacob Greene 73'), Chris Durkin, Lewis O'Brien, Mateusz Klich, Pedro Santos, Ted Ku-DiPietro (Taxi Fountas 80'), Christian Benteke
Unused Subs: Alex Bono, Erik Hurtado, Yamil Asad, Brendan Hines-Ike, Steven Birnbaum, Cristian Dájome, Steven Birnbaum, Kristian Fletcher
Captain: Derrick Williams
Formation (3-5-2)
CF Montréal
Starters: Jonathan Sirois, Rudy Camacho (Gabriele Corbo 63'), Joel Waterman, Aaron Herrera (Zachary Brault-Guillard 60'), George Campbell, Victor Wanyama, Bryce Duke (Nathan-Dylan Saliba 61'), Lassi Lappalainen (Sunusi Ibrahim 61'), Mathieu Choiniere, Chinonso Offor (Jules-Anthony Vilsaint 77'), Ariel Lassiter
Unused Subs: James Pantemis, Ahmed Hamdi, Robert Thorkelsson, Sean Rea
Captain: Victor Wanyama
Formation (3-4-1-2)
Game Recap:
First Half: Bouncing back from Saturday’s disappointment United took it to Montréal and controlled the first half. Rooney had his team playing bravely, willing to pass through Montréal’s press, and transitioning into the attack.
Like relentless waves, DC United would absorb Montréal’s attack with solid defensive play and immediately transition into the attack. Having Najar and Santos back led to better play up the wings, and Durkin admirably filled in for Canouse, stopping Montréal attacks and pushing the ball forward. Throughout the first half United looked more threatening.
United was able to produce a goal in the first 45 minutes as Donovan Pines scored his second goal of the season in the 44th minute, assisted by Mateusz Klich. Off of a corner, Pines used his height to capitalize on a cross from Mateusz Klich and put the ball into the top left corner of the net.
Those players have responded and again showed the grit and determination that are the hallmarks of their Head Coach.
Second Half: The second half started much the same way as the first, with United on the front foot and dominating the ball.
Ted Ku-DiPietro would double United’s lead when he scored his third goal of the season in the 59th minutes, assisted by Christian Benteke.
Down two goals, Hernán Losada started making a number of substitutions, and there was a shift in the feel of the match. Where the Black & Red had easily moved the ball from the back to the front, DC started to feel the press Montréal was applying. Still United’s defense was able to handle it, and even the half chances they gave up were easily snuffed out.
Unfortunately things took a turn for the worse in the eightieth minute, and Sunusi Ibrahim would get Montréal’s first goal. While it wasn’t against the run of play, Montréal had been building momentum, it was a bit of a shock, and the Black & Red didn’t respond well as they gave up a second within two minutes.
DC did mount another attack, and they put Montréal under pressure, but Benteke had an attempt in the 89th minute blocked, and a head flash just wide.
Sometimes a tie feels like a win, sometimes it feels like a loss. Unfortunately this felt like a loss.
Notes From the top row:
Surprised Ted Ku-DiPietro is getting the start
DC is fearless playing the ball deep in their end
Durkin is bossing the midfield, all the United players are ready to put a foot in, pressing Montréal
Santos and Najar give DC much better wing play
United is dominating this game
Miller defending the midfield line again
Chris Durkin’s best position is Defensive Midfielder
PINES! GOAL!
Second half starts much the way the first half played out
DC is out pressing Montréal
GOAL! TED KDP!
Benteke getting the assist.
Great run by Lewis O’Brien
UGH! Can’t believe United gave up a goal
WTF!!! A SECOND GOAL!
Benteke just missed a header
United hold on for a point
Words from the Gaffer:
Wayne Rooney: “I thought we started the game well, and that had to start from the warm-up… And again, I thought we were always in control of the game…the first half was tight, but we were never worried, never concerned… I was pleased with the reaction from the previous game.”
“It’s a mistake from Donovan. I just have to say Donovan has been brilliant. He’s been excellent, and it happens in football.”
Player Ratings (FotMob):
Tyler Miller 6.8
Derrick Williams 6.9
Donovan Pines 7.3
Victor Pálsson 6.6
Andy Najar 7.5
Chris Durkin 7.6
Lewis O’Brien. 7.7
Pedro Santos 8.2
Mateusz Klich 7.7
Ted Ku-Dipietro 7.4
Christian Benteke 7.6
Subs:
Jacob Greene 6.1
Taxi Fountas 6.3
Man of the Match - Chris Durkin
This season Chris has stepped in and played multiple roles for United this season. Every time he has given it his all. Against Montréal he filled in for Russell Canouse at the six. This is his natural position, and it showed against the Bleu-Blanc-Noir. He hustled and ran down every loose ball. He provided the linkup passing that makes DC tick. He continues to prove his worth.
Next Match: DC United heads out on a road trip and will travel to Florida and play Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium on June 3 at 7:30 pm ET.