Compact pressure play, favored by the rule allowing the use of five substitutes has led to a lack of goals scored against both DC United and Chicago Fire in their first three games. The Fire have had clean sheets to open their season. The frustrating tactic was on full display this Saturday as the Fire prevailed 2-0.
On most occasions, both teams maintained their width hoping to find space but were often pinched against the touchline by the mutual practice of gang pressure. The passes seeking to escape often went astray with unpredictable bounces keeping play mostly between the penalty areas.
The crowded space and the frustration thus caused led to a physical game which tested the referee’s ability to discern when fouls occurred. The six cautions issued could have been many more as the ball seemed to constantly change hands by both fair and foul means.
DC United had more possession due to the second half which saw United pressing forward against the Fire’s restraint line which they moved back to midfield. Classical bunkering with modern high pressure play leaves little room to be creative. Thus, there were few chances as DC Coach Hernan Losada indicated in the post-game interview that creativity was still lacking, a common problem in early season which is complicated by DC’s introduction of several new players.
United’s rookie midfielder, Sofiane Djeffal was a constant thorn in the Fire’s side, justifying his first full 90 minutes. His scrappy play is well suited to Losada’s preferred style. His contentiousness was mirrored by Andy Najar who was seen both attacking and defending aggressively.
On several occasions, the newly re-signed Honduran showed that he is still learning his defensive positioning as he was drawn inside leaving a wide attacker free. The Fire’s second goal came about as the ball was headed by Gaston Gimenez to unmarked Jonathan Bornstein just outside the far post enabling a free and successful shot on goal.
For Chicago’s part, they used designated player Xherdan Shaqiri as a libero, switching both forward and sideways as opportunities arose. As events transpired, Shaqiri was not a major factor as his vision and execution were curbed by DC’s stifling performance. United’s Coach Losada had observed in a midweek press conference that Shaqiri varied his positioning in the previous two games. The designated player had played forward at home and midfield away.
Both teams were stifled on the few occasions when breakthroughs were made by outstanding saves by goalkeepers Bill Hamid of United and Gaga Slonina of the Fire. The former showed the form that earned him a spell in Europe while the 17-year-old homegrown rookie displayed that he is ready to start and excel at the professional level.
On a weather note, the temperature in the mid-twenties led to two interesting sights as the announced attendance of 13,795 was not reflected in the stands, setting a possible record for paid non-attendance. United’s substitutes spent both halves in constant motion, warming up beyond the South endline.
United moves on to play at Toronto at 3:00 PM next Saturday with no assurance that the weather will be more accommodating.
