D.C. United vs. Sporting Kansas City Player Ratings

D.C. United came into Friday night's game with Sporting Kansas City with nary a road win in a stat that was particularly entertaining to some jerk on the masthead. So naturally when a 1-0 win happened for the good guys following a hectic 24 hours of travel and redirection, combined with a weather delay, it was a earned win in the karma department to some degree. Even with a performance where they made only 62% of their passes and 47% in the final third, with 42% possession and roughly two thirds (175) of SKC's total passes (268).

With that, let's get to rating, shall we?

Bill Hamid - 6.5

In his first competitive game in almost seven months, Bill turns in a three save clean sheet with a couple of solid saves though nothing of the ten bell variety. He was calm, composed and while showing a touch of rust, certainly made a lot of fans breathe easier on the night. Hamid and Travis Worra are now tied with Clint Irwin and Zac MacMath for shutouts so far this season (5).

Taylor Kemp - 4.5

He and Franklin dealt with Jacob Peterson and Brad Davis switching up frequently, seemed to lose Davis early in the first half (though Davis skied his shot), still had 6 clearances and two interceptions. Offensively, his 34.6% pass accuracy was the worst of any field player, despite his two key passes, first half shot and assist on the goal. Weather disclaimers aside, is going to need to do better this week.

Bobby Boswell - 5

He and Opare dealt with Dom Dwyer quite a bit and like Kemp, early on lost his mark and his could have cost the team with an early Dwyer header. Settled things down with vetern (sic) guile, 8 clearances and two interceptions to go with three recoveries and a 56.7% accuracy number. Was OK, nothing special.

Kofi Opare - 6

His first start since the March loss to FC Dallas, Opare had a 60% accuracy number and won a couple aerials offensively, while defensively had 10 clearances (leading the team) and 3 interceptions (second best), to go along with a nifty first half footrace he beat out Dwyer on to win a ball. He and Bobby match up against Jordan Morris on Wednesday with clear skies and a formidable task on hand.

Sean Franklin - 5

61% accuracy, and 5 interceptions which led the team, and a supporting 3 clearances.

Lamar Neagle - 4

Won an aerial, but had a 42.9% accuracy number which was second worst among the team (including 2 of 6 in the final third), though did have four clearances and two tackles on the night. Recorded 0 shots for the second time this season, and is going to need to improve on his performances of the last month.

Marcelo Sarvas - 6

Nobody else touched the ball more on either side, had a shot, a key pass, a won aerial and a 73.7% accuracy number Defensively, had six interceptions and twelve recoveries, both of which led the team, and his seventh yellow card puts him into a tie with Federico Bravo for the League lead in it, and his four recoveries per game put him in sixth in MLS in that.

Jared Jeffrey - 6.5

Came into the lineup due to a concussion Patrick Nyarko suffered, and led the team with two shots (GUH), and had the only other one on target, while leading the team with an 82.9% accuracy number. Defensively, had two blocked shots, two clearances, an interception and a tackle. Still amazed he was almost out the door in the winter and is turning in efforts like these.

Nick DeLeon - 5

Played outside mid on both sides and could have had a decent shout for a penalty in the first half. 72% accuracy, two aerials won, 5 of 9 passing in the attacking third, and got the throw-in that eventually resulted in the goal. Defensively, had three clearances, two interceptions and seven recoveries. More defensive actions than in recent games, due to the location, though it'll be curious to see if he reprises this role Wednesday against a similar lineup.

Luciano Acosta - 4.5

68.8% accuracy, 3 of 6 in the attacking third, generally quiet, as his 29 touches tied him with Neagle for the fewest among DC field players. Defensively, had a tackle and a clearance, so it was kind of forgettable in that half too.

Fabian Espindola - 4.5

His first start in a month, had a shot, had a moment near the end of the first half where he was disproportionately chirping at the officials for an innocuous foul. Had a key pass, won an aerial, connected on two thirds of his passing. Here are the passes of Acospindota on the night, in case you were curious:

Rob Vincent (Sub) - 4

Came on for Espindola in the 74th, connected on two of three passes, including a long ball, and had a clearance defensively. on five total touches. Have fun in Pittsburgh, come back soon, bring back Primanti.

Julian Buescher (Sub) - Inc.

Came on for Acosta in the 77th, eight touches, 1 of 2 passes, kind of a off night as far as past performances go.

Alhaji Kamara (Sub) - 7.5

Came on for Neagle in the 85th, three touches, including the goal, and he wasn't even the best Kamara this weekend! With a Seattle Sounders team coming to town that could potentially be without Brad Evans and Chad Marshall due to injury, Kamara's next appearance may be just as intriguing.

Man of the Match

Nice to have you here Mr. Kamara, stick around for a bit.