BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- D.C. United came to Chicago with a plan Saturday night -- to stop the Chicago Fire attack. An early goal by Fred and a strong performance by newly acquired goalkeeper Louis Crayton sealed the 1-0 victory for United.
"We were committed to defending tonight," D.C. United head coach Tom Soehn said. "Everybody's committed to winning a 1-0 game."
In the 27th minute, Fred put himself in a great position. He was open in the box behind all the Fire players as Jaime Moreno bent in a corner kick from the left. Fred jumped up and headed it home to the right of Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch.
"We talked to our two guys up front about being creative and picking spots to make it more dangerous," Soehn said. "Jaime gave a great ball. Fred finished it."
Fred said he was surprised that the Fire left him open.
"We created some space for me to get behind the players," Fred said. "Jaime put in a good ball. I was able to bury it. We moved the ball very well. We were able to play our game tonight."
One goal proved to be enough as United held on for the win -- thanks in no small part to the play of Crayton. The Liberian international signed with the team Friday and started his first MLS game Saturday. In his debut, Crayton collected a win, a shutout and made two saves.
"We worked collectively as a team," Crayton said. "We won an important game against the Chicago Fire. I came prepared to help the team. The coaches told me to be ready. This morning I was told I would be starting."
In the 44th minute, Chris Rolfe blasted a long ball at goal. Crayton got a hand on it, sending it out wide left.
"When I turned around I saw it was very close to the post," Crayton said.
Chicago pushed hard toward the end of the match, causing Crayton to be at his best. In the 88th minute, Fire forward Brian McBride headed the ball toward right on target, but Crayton grabbed it for the save.
Crayton has played the majority of his career for teams in Switzerland from 1997-2008, where he has dual citizenship. He has made 36 appearances with the Liberian national team.
Crayton started in place of Zach Wells, who started 17 matches for D.C. United, making 56 saves and allowing 28 goals. Jose Carvallo started one game for D.C., allowing four goals while making two saves. United released the Peruvian 'keeper July 17 and have since been searching for a replacement.
"Louis comes with a lot of experience," Soehn said. "He's played a lot of big games. He's got great feet. We've been leaking goals all over the place. We've tried everything in the back. It was time to try someone different in goal."
The plan worked as D.C. United improved to 9-9-1 on the season and kept pace with the rest of the Eastern Conference.
No comments:
Post a Comment