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Here are three things we learned from D.C. United’s 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC, which saw early dominance from United, Orlando go down a man and a stoppage-time equalizer from the home team’s Stéfano Pinho.
1. The New Kids lead by Yamil Asad
With a new stadium comes a new look to D.C. United, which started seven newly-acquired players Saturday against Orlando. Nine of the starting XI against the Lions were not members of the team at the start of the 2017 season.
Former Atlanta United midfielder Yamil Asad had a standout performance in his inaugural match with United. Asad tallied United’s only goal off of a free kick and won several crucial battles in the midfield. The fresh faces also included 18-year-old Chris Durkin, who made his MLS debut Saturday, subbing in for Asad.
2. VAR to the rescue
Twice in the first half, VAR stepped in to the match. Both times the call went in favor of United.
In the 18th minute, referees turned to VAR to determine if Orlando defender Will Johnson had a handball inside of the box. After deliberation, the call went in favor of United and forward Darren Mattocks lined up for the penalty kick. An unlucky pang of the crossbar kept the score even at zero.
Less than 15 minutes later, Asad converted a free kick to put the visitors up 1-0. Tension arose and VAR stepped in once again when a scuffle in the 41st minute lead to Orlando midfielder Victor “PC” Giro getting sent off with a red card.
“It was an interesting game. We had a lot of chances to win this game, but at least we did the draw. It’s not a bad result,” United defender Fréderic Brillant said. “But with the scenario of the game, we are disappointed.”
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3. One point is better than none
United started strong, but fizzled after going up a man. United led for 90-plus minutes against the 10-man Orlando. Despite the offensive dominance, United could not hold off Orlando for the full three points.
In the 93rd minute, Orlando defender Jonathan Spector sent a ball across to Pinho, who finished with a one-touch past goalkeeper David Ousted.
“I’m happy with the way we played the first half,” Brillant said. “Second half, we were a little scared, and we dropped too much. We have to keep heads up and work for the next game.”