Dallas Exposes Lack of Depth

With Kye Rowles out, DC's defense turned porous and they were soundly beaten 4-0 by Dallas last night (April 4) at Audi Field. The 4 goals conceded were the same as the number of goals conceded in DC's first 5 games.

DC played their usual defensive, occasional counterattack style and did well at first, but a 16th-minute pass from Dallas's Ramiro split Nealis (Rowles' substitute) and Hefti and found Logan Farrington at the top of the box. Farrington took one good touch and slotted the ball under Johnson. 1-0 Dallas.

DC had some threats in the half, in particular a nice header from Bartlett that was palmed over the bar by Dallas goalie Michael Collodi (who had an excellent game) in the 41st minute.

It looked like it would be 1-0 at the half, but after an unncessary foul just outside of the box in stoppage time, Dallas's Patrickson Delgado hit a beautiful free kick into the upper left corner. Johnson had no chance. 2-0 Dallas at the half.

DC played well for the first 30 minutes of the second half, creating some chances. Nealis was injured in the 60th minute and Aaron Herrera came in to replace him, leaving the defense with only one natural center back. More worryingly, Baribo limped off in the 68th minute.

The resistance pretty much ended in the 78th minute, as Osaze Urhoghide scored a header over flatfooted DC defenders on a beautiful cross from Joaquin Valiente. It was garbage time after that, and DC's defense (so stalwart this season) reverted to its Wooden Spoon level of last year. Petar Musa scored off a rebound in the first minute of stoppage time, and Dallas could have had another one or two except for some good Johnson saves.

DC's next game is at Gillette Stadium against the New England Revolution next Saturday (April 11) at 730pm. DC returns home on April 15, hosting One Knoxville SC in the US Open Cup.

DC's lineup:

Johnson in goal

Kurokawa, Nealis, Bartlett, Hefti in defense

Peglow, Servania, Peltola, Pirani in midfield

Hopkins, Baribo at forward

Subs: Herrera for Nealis (60th minute), Munteanu for Hopkins (61st), Murrell for Baribo (68th), Clark for Pirani (82nd), Stroud for Servania (82nd)