D.C. United season review: Andrew Dykstra

When it was announced in January of this year that Bill Hamid would miss 4-6 months after meniscus surgery, it was assumed that Andrew Dykstra would step in for D.C. United until Bill Hamid returned. Dykstra started DCU's first three competitive matches of the season -- the two CONCACAF Champions League knockout round matches against Liga MX side Queretaro, and the season opener at the Los Angeles Galaxy in which he allowed four goals on seven shots on frame in a 4-1 loss.

Dykstra's United season would essentially end thereafter, when he underwent surgery on his back for a herniated disk. The surgery would keep him out for 10-12 weeks, but Hamid would return before Dykstra became healthy. Dykstra would make just one bench appearance for United the over the rest of the season, backing up Travis Worra on July 23rd against Toronto. While his DCU season ended prematurely, Dykstra did go on loan to the Richmond Kickers, where he put up a 2-4-3 record in nine starts (including one playoff start) with a 1.25 goals against average.

Since making zero league appearances for D.C. in 2012 and 2013, Dykstra has filled in admirably when Hamid has not been available, posting a 6-5-2 record in 14 league starts (he left one match in 2015 before its completion) and allowing 1.53 goals per game. His injury came at a bad time, as he was relegated to the third string on a team whose starting goalkeeper may end up moving overseas before too long.

United is currently a team with goalkeeping depth. In addition to Hamid, Worra, and Dykstra, the team also has Charlie Horton, who did not play for D.C. this past season but made eight loan starts with the Richmond Kickers with an 0.88 goals against average. Assuming that Hamid does not leave over the winter, the competition to be his deputy will be stiff. Dykstra has been a serviceable backup goalkeeper, but the question as to whether he can be a regular starter for United has yet to be answered.