D.C. United was searching for their first win of 2016 going into their first game Avaya Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes and now...they're still searching for it after their 1-1 draw Saturday night, with a late goal from the hosts that resulted in shared points on the night.
So let's rate some folks, shall we?
Travis Worra - 6.5
Five saves on the night, which equaled his total for the first three starts of his MLS career this year, had a couple of great reaction ones and made a nice grab in the second Could have done a little better on the Jahn goal I thought, but also was kinda caught dead to rights on a first half Matias Perez Garcia shot that would have been a Goal of the Week nominee had it gone in. Continues to show he should be in DC.
Taylor Kemp - 6
Broke Marvell Wynne's ankles on a second half run, which was his only notable offensive mention, as apparently 65% pass succession (PS) and half of his long balls appears to be his new 2016 normal. Defensively, led in tackles (6) and interceptions (4), and tied for the lead in clearances (6), had a nice couple of blocks on shots by Tommy Thompson and Chris Wondolowski. His tackles (4) and interceptions (4.2) per game are in the Top 4 amongst MLS fullbacks, which is either an indictment of MLS fullbacks or a testament to his improved work in his own end.
Bobby Boswell - 5
Had nowhere to go but up after last week's performance, and led in clearances and was more himself positionally. When he did have the ball he was horrible with it (his 57.9% PS number was the worst amongst DC field players on the night), but he should be able to work on this.
Steve Birnbaum - 5.5
Came back from United States duties midweek (funny that those who wrung their hands at news of his starting didn't mention him in their gamers, by the way), came in at 79% PS with a key pass, won 5 aerials (most of any field player on the night), and was second in interceptions (3) and clearances (5). Was a touch out of sorts at times, and let Quincy Amarikwa in on a shot and stopped his backtracking run to look for an offside call that didn't show up, but guessing he'll get to rectify that this week.
Sean Franklin - 5.5
Had a couple of great backtracking runs to get to defenders, one on Alberto Quintero that left the Panamanian looking for a penalty, the other where Franklin slipped, but Worra bailed him out. Defensively wasn't as active as his teammate on the left, but offensively was a more accurate passer and had a shot to go with it. Yin and Yang I suppose right now.
Lamar Neagle - 6.5
Assisted on the goal and bounced a free kick off the crossbar, as the curious case of 'Lamar Neagle the blossoming set piece taker' continues on. His four key passes led all players on the night despite a 69% PS number, and won 4 aerials to go with two tackles defensively. If we're getting to the point where we're debating a new lineup/formation, Neagle's making a good case to be in it.
Nick DeLeon - 5.5
34 of 40 passing on the night, giving him another nod as most accurate passer on the team, and was 4 of 5 in the attacking third and 3 of 3 on long balls, and keeps his crown as 'most accurate passer on the team this season' intact. Defensively, had three tackles, an interception and a clearance. Have no idea on a team that doesn't keep the ball much as is why anyone would be willing to drop a guy that makes sure his passes get to teammates, unless NDL in the CM is just exposing a lot of assumptions by folks.
Or tl;dr
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like we might have to head off the "DeLeon experiment must end" camp again. <a href="https://t.co/uX3Qp1CpX2">pic.twitter.com/uX3Qp1CpX2</a></p>— Steven Streff (@streffsoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/streffsoccer/status/716487229539889152">April 3, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Jared Jeffrey - 6.5
82.9% PS, 3 shots (1 of 2 players on the team with more than one), 2 key passes, 2 aerials won offensively. Five tackles and two interceptions defensively. Certainly made a case to stick in the lineup, but would be interested to see how Jeffrey-Marcelo Sarvas behind NDL (or any sort of 6 for that matter) would work.
Patrick Nyarko - 6.5
Scored a goal (and made a nice run to get open on it to boot), had a key pass despite passing on the night being down at 62.5%. Hit triple 3's in tackles, interceptions and clearances, before owing off to what appeared to be a back issue late in the game. Get well soon Patrick.
Fabian Espindola - 4
Like last week, had almost half the team's shots on the night (5 of 12), like last week, only one connected on goal. Still wants to shoot from 25 yards out because he thinks he can (note a communication problem with him and Jeffrey early in the game). Turned the ball over that led to the Quakes goal, had an extra time odd man counter with the ball at his feet and he skied it to his partner, effectively squashing the counter. His 76% is better than previous weeks, but had no key passes, and had a pair of tackles and interceptions to his credit. Said it last week, and will repeat: Fabi, work and play well with others.
Chris Rolfe - 6
His only shot was on goal, had a nice pass to Neagle that led to the goal (his 1.8 KP/G is tops on the team, and almost doubles Espindola's total right now), 75% passing was OK, had three tackles to boot. Quietly doing his work.
Miguel Aguilar (Sub) - 4.5
Came on for Neagle in the 71st, had a tackle and connected on 6 of 9 passes but didn't do much else.
Luciano Acosta (Sub) - 5.5
Helped start the extra time counter that Fabi screwed the pooch on. Connected on 3 of 5 passes, including a long ball and a key pass. It shows on the field and statistically, where the only thing that makes Fabi a better option is that he shoots more, which is easy to do if you're shooting from everywhere. Free Lucho, bench Fabi.
Rob Vincent (Sub) - 5
Came on for the injured Nyarko, connected on two passes, had an interception and a clearance.
Man of the Match
Giving it to the goalscorer who we hope stays healthy going forward.