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Accam strike lifts Fire past D.C. United

Photo by Derik Hamilton/USA Today Sports

The Chicago Fire continued their recent strong run of form by defeating D.C. United, 1-0, at RFK Stadium on Saturday.

A 52nd-minute winner from David Accam proved to be enough for Veljko Paunovic’s side to earn their first three points away from Toyota Park this season, and the visitors sure looked like the more dominant side in the opening 45 minutes, having three efforts on goal.

Joao Meira saw his long-range strike saved by Bill Hamid, while Nemanja Nikolic saw multiple efforts saved by the D.C. goalkeeper. D.C. failed to record a shot on goal in the opening half, while dealing with a hectic Fire attack.

Accam’s right-footed finish after 52 minutes broke the deadlock, giving the visiting Fire a 1-0 lead. The Ghanaian international got on the end of Luis Solignac’s cross, finishing his effort to the bottom right corner.

Jose Ortiz’s 82nd-minute effort forced a good save from Fire keeper Matt Lampson, while Steve Birnbaum 87th-minute header also made the keeper work. Taylor Kemp’s missed long-range effort a few minutes later truly summed up D.C.’s performance as the Fire held on for a 1-0 win.

Hamid was the busier of the two keepers, making seven saves compared to Lampson’s two. The Fire (6-3-3) extended their unbeaten run to four matches, now sitting on 21 points this season. They now return home for a home date on May 25th with FC Dallas.

D.C. United (3-2-6) slumped to their third consecutive defeat, remaining last in the Eastern Conference on 11 points. They begin a two-game road trip on May 27, facing off with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

MAN OF THE MATCH

David Accam deserves man of the match honors for scoring the lone goal in Saturday’s match. His sixth goal of the season makes him second on the team, sitting only behind Nikolic’s 10 goals so far. His pace caused issues for the D.C. United backline, despite only having two efforts towards goal in the match.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

A late attack from D.C. United easily could have changed the outcome in this match. Efforts from Ortiz and Birnbaum were saved by Matt Lampson, who prior to that really was not troubled by the home side. The lack of scoring goals continues for D.C. United, who really need to get some results going in order to inch out of the cellar.

MATCH TO FORGET

With Hamid being the best player on the pitch for D.C., midfielder Lamar Neagle stook out as the worst. The 30-year-old has failed to score yet this season, which is a surprise after scoring 10 goals a season ago. Neagle recorded 12 completed passes, which was the second fewest out of any D.C. United starter

Comments

  1. As a United fan from 96, I have seen a many ups and down over the years. However this current version of the team is dreadful. Solid players look poor, effort is lacking, the body language of the players is lethargic and finger pointy. The attacking phase lacks coherent structure and defensively the players look constantly surprised.
    Ben and Chad step down please.

    Reply
  2. Ben is a great DCU soldier no doubt. He has to go as coach. Listless attack and prone to losing shape on D. Maybe we’ll see another mid season run and then flame out in 1st round of the playoffs per usual. How many seasons do we get the same uninspiring (and not good enough to truly contend for the Cup) product on the pitch?

    Reply
    • Bill Hamid deserves better and if DCU brass aren’t willing to make investments needed to upgrade talent, hopefully he can get a move to a MLS contender or Euro club.

      Reply

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