If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. This appeared to be D.C. United coach Ben Olsen’s thought with his starting lineup Saturday in the 1-1 draw against LAFC.
Olsen started an identical lineup in United’s games against the San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC, despite gaining midfielder Júnior Moreno back from injury and defender Joseph Mora back from a red-card suspension.
Mora didn’t have to wait too long for his return to the pitch, though. The defender subbed on in the 26th minute for an injured Nick DeLeon. Moreno also made his return as a substitute in the 58th minute for midfielder Chris Durkin.
United went down early after LAFC forward Diego Rossi cleaned up a loose ball inside the 18-yard box. Just before halftime defender Dejan Jakovic received a red card for a studs-up tackle on midfielder Paul Arriola.
Despite the man advantage, United struggled to contain LAFC’s attack. United finally found the late equalizer when Mora crossed a high pass into the box. Arriola jumped to the ball and headed it toward the net. Waiting for the finish, Darren Mattocks used his head to ensure the ball made it past LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller.
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In stoppage time, United had several chances to take advantage of the 10-man team. Defender Frederic Brilliant made a last-minute attempt on a corner, but the shot clanked off the post.
United return home for training with four points in two West Coast matches before heading back west for a game against the Seattle Sounders.
Arriola hitting his stride
The assist to Mattocks adds to Arriola’s recent offensive production.
In contrast to his current run, Arriola started the 2018 season with just two assists in six games — a less-than-stellar statistic for United’s sole Designated Player.
Prior to the recent set of cross-country road games, Arriola was stuck in a down spell with a unique opportunity to hit reset.
Shortly after his second assist of the season in a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew SC, Arriola received the first red card of his young career. The ensuing one-game suspension coupled with United’s on-again-off-again schedule gave Arriola three weeks off, which felt like a rare second preseason to him.
The 23-year-0ld has since recorded a goal and a pair of assists in the last three matches. While United has struggled with consistency, Arriola is finally finding his stride.
VAR Debacle
In the second half, LAFC Laurent Ciman fell and grabbed the ball inside the box. Referee Ismael Elfath blew his whistle and motioned for video review. Upon review, Elfath ruled no penalty and awarded the ball to LA.
— D.C. United (@dcunited) May 27, 2018
Moments later an eerily similar situation happened in United’s box when Zoltan Stieber turned away from a shot as the ball hit his hand. Once again, Elfath turned to video review and again ruled no penalty.