By RYAN TOLMICH
Needing only a draw for advancement, D.C. United did everything they needed and more to secure their place in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.
Chris Pontius and Eddie Johnson each contributed a goal as D.C. United took down Panama’s Tauro FC, 2-0, at RFK Stadium to clinch a spot in the CCL quarterfinal stages despite still having a game to play in the tournament’s group stage.
After dominating throughout the first 45 minutes, D.C. United finally opened the scoring with a 49th minute header from Pontius.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who nearly scored a header in the 11th minute, made sure to direct his shot correctly this time, as Pontius guided home a long-distance cross from defender Samuel Inkoom to give D.C. United the lead.
The hosts doubled their lead just four minutes later through Johnson, who was making his first appearance in three weeks.
Johnson, who came on as a second half substitute, made a darting run through the box before finding himself on the end of a David Estrada backheel. The D.C. United forward struck the pass first time, as Johnson’s shot caromed off the crossbar and over the line to secure the D.C. United victory.
With the win, D.C. United pick up their third CCL victory in as many games after previously sweeping Jamaica’s Waterhouse FC. Ben Olsen’s side still have one group stage match left to play, as D.C. United travel to Panama Oct. 21 for a rematch with Tauro FC.
The D.C. United victory will now allow the club to focus exclusively on MLS play for the remainder of the regular season, which they resume Saturday against the Philadelphia Union.
Check out the match highlights below:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeiWP1bAYQQ]
the last round of CCL games should be interesting in terms of figuring out the seeds.
10 – Herediano has 10 points, but no more games
9 – Pachuca, Montreal Impact, DC United and Portland Timbers are all tied with 9 and play their final game on the road. win your last game and any of these teams could take the top seed.
7 – Club America and Sporting KC have 7 and could jump into the group tied for 2nd with a win, SKC at Saprissa is going to be good!
4 – Cruz Azul and Alajuelense are still duking it out in the hardest group.
avoiding Club America is the real goal here but that’s kinda impossible to predict right now as they could finish 1st-5th.
Glad to see at least some of the MLS teams are taking CCL seriously.
Actually, DC has managed to play mostly backup players, with just enough starter quality to score goals. It’s been a masterful showing of squad rotation from Ben Olsen, to remain in first in the East and get three wins in CCL play. Has gone basically perfectly for the black and red.
Estrada’s backheel was pretty sweet.
DC has to win their last match and keep their GD over Montreal’s to get the #3 seed to avoid playing America in the QF next year.
I love games like this…keeps the trolls away from the comment page.
While they are gone:
MLS is awesome, go ahead and name the non-playoffs teams last year. Montreal, DC…
Now name the teams that are through….Montreal ( I think ), DC…
Why was Johnson out three weeks and returned wearing protective head gear? I guess I missed the memo.
Probably obvious, but Concussion
He picked up a concussion in training a couple weeks ago.
It was nice to see Johnson score, but even better to see Pontius back playing and a bonus to see him score. Having him back is a big boost to the team.
Very happy to see Pontius doing his thing out there!!