Perhaps absence does make the heart grow fonder.
After missing out on the first three months of the Major League Soccer regular season, D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid has re-asserted himself as one of the top players in the league. On Saturday night Hamid was called upon to preserve an important draw against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Not only did he complete his task he did so in spectacular fashion.
Despite facing minimal opposition for large portions of the match the Dyanmo ratcheted up the pressure during the game’s waning moments. In the 90th minute Dynamo midfielder Mauro Manotas hit a half-volley from just within United’s eighteen yard box. Although the shot appeared destined for the back of the net, Hamid made the diving save to deny Manotas’ goal-scoring opportunity.
The Dynamo would have another series of goal-scoring opportunities on the ensuing corner kick. Defender Raul Rodriguez would hit a header on target that forced Hamid to make another save. Dynamo defender Bryan Horst would scoop up the rebound but lift his shot over the bar.
Hamid’s efforts late in the match were appreciated by both his teammates and his coach. Yeah, Big Game Bill. He makes saves when we need him, he’s done that since I’ve been back with D.C. It’s world class, it picks us up and shuts them down,” said defender Bobby Boswell.
United coach Ben Olsen echoed Boswell’s statement saying, “It’s always tough for me to judge Bill because I just expect greatness all the time. I don’t know. It doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen it for the last few years.”
For Hamid, the expectations and pressure of leading United and being one of the top goalkeepers in U.S. Soccer is nothing new. Entering into this season it appeared that Hamid was destined to cement his spot on the United States Men’s National Team roster and possibly lead D.C. United to their fifth MLS Cup.
But a preseason ACL injury dashed those hopes in the interim and forced both Hamid and United to reassess their situation. In the end, the break appears to have been a good thing for the twice capped USMNT netminder.
“I felt a lot of pressure because I wanted to come back as soon as possible, and stake a claim for the Copa America roster, and when that didn’t happen, for some reason I sat back and felt a lot off bricks come off my shoulders,” said Hamid. “I’m just happy I’m back in goal now, and trying to do.” my best.”
D.C. United (4-6-5, 17 points) will return home this week to host the New England Revolution on Saturday.
DC United
Houston Dynamo
