GameThread: Kansas City Wizards at DC United
by Martin Shatzer on May 5, 2025 5:00 PM EDT
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PrintDC United wasted away the first sixth of their season and are off to an 0-5 start for the first time in the team's history, including a trio of shut outs at home. The team hopes to get off on the right foot tonight against their coach's former team.
Game time: 7:00pm EST
Television: ESPN2, ESPN3
Stadium Info: Get your tickets at the RFK box office. Pregame festivities include what the team is billing as the best Cinco de Mayo party in town, with drink specials and a mariachi band..
| Projected Starting Lineup: | ||||
| Hamid | ||||
| Graye | Talley | Pena | Wallace | |
| Simms | Morsink | |||
| Barklage | Najar | Castillo | ||
| Cristman | ||||
Last minute thoughts: We talked earlier this morning about how the team needs to make a change in terms of players and style. The result of this match will depend on whether that actually happens, or if it was just meant to be more rhetoric from the front office. Bill Hamid is likely to get his first MLS start tonight and will probably be well tested thanks to the combined 70-year old center backs likely to play in front of him. But if players like Andy Najar, Christian Castillo, and Adam Cristman can continue to build off their performances from last week, this match could be the start of United's return to the middle of the table.
This is your place for pre-game, in-game, and post-game thoughts. Let's just hope our boys don't embarass us on national TV again.
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In other news, Tottenham are going to Champions League! I’m unbelievably happy. Hopefully Peter Crouch’s luck will rub off on DCU tonight.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on May 5, 2025 5:05 PM EDT reply actions
Looking at KC
Since they thrashed us, the Wizards have actually been pretty poor. Nielsen in goal has impressed, but elsewhere things have taken a big step back. Here are some things I noticed watching them against Houston on Saturday:
1. Without Conrad, this is a weak defense. Like, as weak as ours. You know you’re in trouble when you’re being outsmarted by Oduro. Escobar and Besler both appear to be decent defenders, but both need to be played next to a veteran leader. If Conrad can’t go tonight, this may be the weakest back four we’ll see all year.
2. Davy Arnaud was justly sent off (I don’t care what the USSF says, going in studs-up on a keeper is a red card every time), leaving the Wizards with at least one definite change to make. The thing is, KC didn’t make the standard “replace red-carded guy with a similar player and bring off a forward” sub. Well, they did on paper (Rocastle for Kamara), but they also made tons of other changes with the guys that stayed on. Vermes switched to a 342, pulled Jewsbury from midfield to the right of the back three, moved both outside backs up to wide midfield, and asked Smith to play more centrally.
None of this really worked. So, I anticipate that Vermes will return to form, which means a 433 of (right to left) Nielsen; Harrington, Escobar, Besler, Espinoza; Rocastle, Auvray, Jewsbury; Wolff, Kamara, Smith.
Rocastle didn’t really impress me against Houston. He’s tidy enough on the ball, I suppose, but after his needless shove and verbal confrontation directed at Mullan didn’t scare the Dynamo (because really, when have you ever seen anyone intimidate Houston with physical play?), he faded from the game. He is much less dynamic than Arnaud, and is a vastly inferior goal threat because he doesn’t have the speed or inclination to get forward as often. However, I could see him using that faux-hard attitude to turn the game chippy for us (especially with Morsink probably starting).
The adjustment here is to be aware that Jewsbury will be the one bursting forward from midfield, and to let Rocastle’s desire to prove how tough he is hand us freekicks rather than get us into some kind of game of red card chicken.
3. In the opener, KC played Kamara at right forward and Wolff centrally. The idea was that Wolff would drop off, causing confusion in our central defense, while Kamara and Smith would be very direct (unsettling our weak outside backs). It worked like a charm. However, we now offer a different back four, and whatever you say about Talley and Pena, they’ve dealt with a dude that drops off before. Using Wolff that way isn’t likely to work as well against experienced players, so I expect Vermes to move Wolff to the right (where his guile will challenge Wallace) and use Kamara’s physical attributes against our older, slower center back pairing. Kamara is significantly faster, taller, and stronger than either of our center backs (unless James returns), so we have to limit service or pray for him to have a terrible night of finishing.
by ChestRockwell on May 5, 2025 5:26 PM EDT reply actions
Who likes the long ball?
Fresh from the team twitter feed:
Hamid
Graye - Talley - Pena - Wallace
Khumalo - Simms - Morsink - Castillo
Allsopp - Cristman
Probable strategy: Defend and counter. Try to draw fouls with Alsopp and Cristman holding the ball up. Boom the ball forward whenever we win it in our own third.
The FO wasn’t joking about giving up on style, were they?
by The AMT on May 5, 2025 6:13 PM EDT reply actions
No Kamara tonight
Missed who was starting in his place, but noticed him absent from KC’s starting XI on ESPN
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:05 PM EDT reply actions
Starting line-ups
They have em on the front page:
http://www.dcunited.com/
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions
GO UNITED!!
All right I can finally watch a game on TV and not on my PC. Woot for better quality!
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:10 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, awful free kick
Castillo looked like he completely biffed that, a lot like me with a golf club
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:20 PM EDT reply actions
ALLISOPP!
So that’s what a striker looks like. I hadn’t seen one yet.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:21 PM EDT reply actions
First lead of the season.
Man, what?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda sad…
Now can they hold it?
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
First goal at RFK this year
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Awful sequence there
nice save by Hamid though.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:25 PM EDT reply actions
Good response by Hamid there.
Especially since the back four don’t look great again.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:26 PM EDT reply actions
Nice, Wallace
I don’t think that’s what they mean when they say “tackle him” though.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:31 PM EDT reply actions
Can we end the Wallace-at-LB experiment yet?
Please?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Put him in midfield
the only time he’s looked competent at LB is when he’s pushing forward anyway.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Good save
Great strike by Espinoza. Thankfully it was straight at Hamid.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:34 PM EDT reply actions
I like Hamid's performance so far.
Nothing too challenging, but handling what you’re given in the first step. As long as the defense doesn’t give him dog’s dinners from here on out I think he’ll be okay.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently today is his MLS debut?
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup.
This day was going to come soon anyway, I think.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The real test is going to come when the back four take the second half off again.
I’ve seen nothing from them to make me think the second half is going to be anything different than what we’ve seen before.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Taking the second half off?
Does that mean they’ve actually showed up this half?
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn't it scare you to see what I mean by taking the half off means after the first 30?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions
We might need a couple more goals
Get moving Allsopp.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Very true
I’m hopeful we can score goals to give us a cushion for the second half. 2-0 a good start,
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
+1
Comes out strong on the corner just as you posted that. The early tests are giving him confidence I think.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you watching online?
I’ve got it on ESPN2.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
No, on ESPN
I was just slow with hitting ‘post’
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Another sequence bailed out by Hamid.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:37 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, excellent play by Cristman there.
Allisopp buries it, but serious kudos to Cristman for stealing that. Terrible job by the KC defense; thankfully DC’s making them pay tonight.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
He really fought for that ball.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions
GOAL!
Allsopp with the double.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:43 PM EDT reply actions
I'm so confused
Usually the ball goes in our net, is this good?
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:45 PM EDT reply actions
Wallace has committed to an own goal in the 65th.
It Takes More.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe
We are… win..win….wiin..winning (did I say it right?).
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamid has entered Tim Howard mode already.
Make up for your back four, swear at them to stop sucking.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:47 PM EDT reply actions
Great punch by Hamid there
I’ve only seen 38 minutes of this kid (ever), but he looks like he’s more athletic than Perkins. I’m not sure Troy gets to that last ball.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:48 PM EDT reply actions
He's been more confident than I expected.
Most keepers wouldn’t punch that; that was a very aggressive move.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Whew
Too close. Good job Hamid.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:51 PM EDT reply actions
Hamid got lucky there, but I really like that move.
Of course, he got lucky because the marking on Myers was god-awful, so with that being said: good play.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:51 PM EDT reply actions
Wow, KC's marking is terrible.
I hope DC’s back four aren’t going to compare notes at halftime.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:53 PM EDT reply actions
Anyone who hasn't been converted to Hamid yet after that?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:54 PM EDT reply actions
Maybe Troy Perkins
otherwise, no.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m still not convinced. :p
HAMID!!!!
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
WOW
GREAT save, though he got lucky it wasn’t placed better.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:54 PM EDT reply actions
Into the locker room with a 2-0 lead
I’m enjoying this.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 7:56 PM EDT reply actions
of course, kinda troubling that hamid has to make so many great saves...
by Pablo Mercado on May 5, 2025 7:58 PM EDT reply actions
auto-reply: whatever - feels good to be up 2-0
by Pablo Mercado on May 5, 2025 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
We need to keep it away from our side more. Good news is we have shown we can penetrate into KC’s side of the field. Need to be more consistent.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Good form at the edges, but I'm not too keen on the rest.
If I’m Hamid, I’m spending half of the break yelling at the back four to stick on their men or at least look like it. The counter-attack seems decent, but Simms and Morsink haven’t been too active - most of the action for DC has been on the outside.
I’m still worried about the second half.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 7:59 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed
the back four have been pretty bad so far. Their midfielders are making unchecked runs thorough the middle basically at will.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
DC controls their goal, the forward half sides and a good part of KC's box.
KC has the rest.
I’m not sure how I feel about this.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamid's bio
should read like the “Most Interesting Man in the World” commercials.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:05 PM EDT reply actions
I hate the “most interesting man in the world.” :p
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamid has been pretty decent, but he's also benefiting from some good luck
He’s looked indecisive at times, and his positioning on crosses and balls into the box isn’t quite sharp enough. Still, a very nice half from the young man in his debut. I’d love to see a second.
Speaking of loving to see a second, great job by Danny Allsopp! United hasn’t looked great, but how much more fun is it when you’re winning?! There’s a pretty small (like, CONCACAF Champion’s League game small) crowd on hand, but hopefully we can hang on for the win, and the fans will come back.
Loved the “Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oy Oy Oy!” chant from the Barra and the Eagles.
by Brendanukkah on May 5, 2025 8:06 PM EDT reply actions
What you aren't high on Hamid?!?!?!
As has been said earlier, his real test will be in the second half.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember meeting him at a meet the team function shortly after he'd been signed
Dude’s built like a brick shithouse, and was calling people “sir.” I’m a huge Bill Hamid fan. He’s just young, and probably a little jittery tonight. You can hear him barking orders over the TV though, which is cool.
by Brendanukkah on May 5, 2025 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I like that he's barking orders
but I don’t like that I can hear them. Too small of a crowd :P
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
7 PM game for a team that's scored 2 goals all year against friggin' KC.
The Red Bulls game, on the other hand….
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Wish I could be there at the “best margartia party” in town. :p
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
It's his first start
Who wouldn’t be “jittery” ? lol
ESPN guys saws he’s 6-3. DANNG!
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Somewhat.
I think his “good luck” is more “KC blowing unmarked chances”, which I blame on the back four, not on Hamid.
But his aggressiveness has been absurd.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Notice that the B&RU gamethread is much longer when the team’s winning…
This is great! And I think I’ve developed an Aussie man-crush.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on May 5, 2025 8:11 PM EDT reply actions
And now the announcers join in on the Hamid party.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:19 PM EDT reply actions
Biggest Cinco de Mayo party in the city
right?
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats what DCU has been advertising.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Hamid's making sure they're right
Announcers are buying in.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Drinks all around! Hamid’s buying.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Can he even buy?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
No
Just 19. Make Perkins buy.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Make his a double.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Dangit!
2 years too young…..
Wow I’m older than him???
…
……Allisopp then!
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That's the kind of challenge you make in FIFA and start laughing over even deciding to do that.
Just a terrible idea all around.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, Casillo's getting subbed now.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:25 PM EDT reply actions
!!!
What a ball in on goal. What a smart play by Hamid. (And yes, that was probably intended to be a cross. Still.)
And of course, Hamid follows that up by saving Talley(?) getting wrecked in the box.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:27 PM EDT reply actions
Aussie Aussie Aussie chant
Second or third time I’ve heard it tonight
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:30 PM EDT reply actions
If Allisopp could've buried that, you would've heard a lot more of it.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Just missed.
The crowd liked the shot though.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:34 PM EDT reply actions
For crying out loud, sub Castillo.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:35 PM EDT reply actions
I take it back
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, maybe not
Great strike on that free kick.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Props to the post
GK was beat.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Props
to KC GP, you mean? The keeper never got there.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions
my bad typo :(
K too close to P.
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
That was Turn Back the Clock right there.
Fun while it lasted. And seems to lend credence to my thought from earlier that Moreno would be great for 30 minutes (granted, I’m not the only one who’s had that thought.)
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:49 PM EDT reply actions
Okay, Hamid swearing on-air was almost worth losing the clean sheet.
Great marking on that one; fortunately that happened too late for it to matter.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 8:58 PM EDT reply actions
That was Hamid??
It makes it even funnier!
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounded like Hamid
LOVE the intensity from this kid.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
That had to have been Hamid.
I think it was his voice - besides, who else would yell “WHAT THE FUCK?” after a defensive lapse costs him a clean sheet?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Very true
I thought it was some random fan… lol
Ski-U-Mah!
by CrazyCollegian on May 5, 2025 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Dammit
There goes the clean sheet, and maybe some audio guy’s job at ESPN.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 8:59 PM EDT reply actions
Hehe. “What the fuck?!”
I can deal with that goal against.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on May 5, 2025 8:59 PM EDT reply actions
And there's the Tim Howard comparison, too.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on May 5, 2025 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm all smiles after that game!
Winning cures all!
by Brendanukkah on May 5, 2025 9:11 PM EDT reply actions
This game sets a nice precedent
For taking sweet revenge against each and every team that beat us already this season.
by Brendanukkah on May 5, 2025 9:14 PM EDT reply actions
Reply fail
we’ll be in decent shape if we do that. Gotta sweep someone though.
Detroit4Lyfe
by handsomerob1 on May 5, 2025 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I want to give some props to Jordan Graye too
Mr. 2010 Draft Pick has performed well. He’s shown a lot of athleticism, and has gotten forward pretty well. His passing isn’t quite there, and he could probably be a bit better defensively, but I don’t recall him being at fault on any goals. He’s certainly never looked like the weak link along the back line. The guy came in with no expectations and has done a very good job filling in for Namoff on the right. He’s basically won the job away from McTavish. So I just want to recognize you, Jordan Graye, for doing a pretty decent job. Kudos.
by Brendanukkah on May 5, 2025 11:25 PM EDT reply actions
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