Photo by Jose L. Argueta/ISIphotos.com
D.C. United clinched a spot in the playoffs this past weekend with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew, and Nick DeLeon played a key role in helping make that happen.
DeLeon injected some life into United prior to halftime of Saturday’s game by pulling the club level at 1-1 with a goal from close range prior to halftime. The rebounded finish gave DeLeon the record for most goals scored by a rookie in United history with six and also helped him earn SBI’s MLS Rookie of the Week award.
DeLeon beat out New England Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe, Los Angeles Galaxy defender Tommy Meyer and New York Red Bulls defender Connor Lade for this week’s honors.
What do you think of DeLeon winning this award? Agree? Who was the second-best rookie this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
Not NIcky’s best game. Nice opportunistic play to get there for the rebound and goal, but Nicky is suffering from trying-to-do-too-much-itis. he was launching ill-advised shots from distance when there were better options, and he keeps trying to force his way through multiple defenders on the dribble.Only growing pains, though. He’s trying too hard to emulate DeRo. When he realizes his limits and starts looking for help from his mates, DeLeon will be a real force in the league.
I’m reminded of his late second half run when he had an open striker to his left and a charging teammate down the middle – a 2 on 1/3 on 1. Instead of the easy tap in, he elects to take a shot from 20-odd yards out which blazes over.
Keep it simple.