For the last two decades, current D.C. United forward Darren Mattocks and defender Oniel Fisher’s paths twisted and turned across the United States and Jamaica.
Although their stories both began in the southern coastal town of Portmore, the two never consistently played on the same team prior to last year’s Jamaican national team Gold Cup run.
“That was the first time we’ve actually played together on one team, but we knew each other for years before that,” Mattocks said. “We are pretty good friends.”
Last summer, the United States defeated the Reggae Boyz in the 2017 Gold Cup Final 2-1. While the U.S. celebrated the victory, Mattocks and Fisher held each other up after a second straight Gold Cup final loss for Jamaica.
“It was back to back. It was pretty tough, but we did what we could,” Fisher said. “We worked very hard to get into the position that we were in and many doubted us.”
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Supporting each other after a loss was a new concept for Fisher and Mattocks, who spent most of their youth on rival clubs in Jamaica. After development on the island nation, both players pursued college educations in the United States.
Mattocks’ journey took him to the University of Akron. In his two seasons there, he tallied 39 goals in 47 appearances. His performance in college largely helped him land at his first MLS team. The Vancouver Whitecaps drafted Mattocks with the 2nd pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.
Fisher’s college experience at the University of New Mexico didn’t make as many waves, and in 2015, he again found himself on a rival team to Mattocks. The Seattle Sounders selected Fisher in the 2nd round of the SuperDraft that year. At the time, Mattocks was in his final season with Vancouver before getting traded to the Portland Timbers.
“My last two seasons at Portland were important and [Fisher] played in Seattle,” Mattocks said. “There was always this Cascadia Cup rivalry between us.”
Mattocks started nine of the Timbers’ final ten matches in 2017. The convincing stretch and his performance with the Reggae Boyz caught the eye of United general manager Dave Kasper.
Upon arrival, it took Mattocks time to adjust to his new club. He welcomed the return of a familiar face when United acquired Fisher on Feb. 7 ahead of preseason camp.
“He messaged me a couple days before,” Mattocks said. “There was no one for me to really gel with right away. Before [Fisher] came I got along with the guys, but sometimes it’s good to get someone who you are already close with.”
For United, who went through several offseason changes, the familiarity between Mattocks and Fisher was a welcome, rare bond.
“I know the simple stuff in how [Mattocks] wants the ball and his movements,” Fisher said. “I’m glad he’s here, I’m glad I’m here, and hopefully this is a new change of good things to come.”
Mattocks could become United’s go-to goalscorer, but for Fisher, the move was more of a fresh start and a chance for the defender to stand out.
“I wanted something new,” Fisher said. “I wanted a little change to find myself.”
Defense was a focal point for United in the offseason after a poor performance in 2017. Fisher played only nine games last season for Seattle and was looking for more opportunities.
With typical United left back Taylor Kemp out with a groin injury sustained last September, Fisher stepped up.
“Kemp is injured. I have to take the opportunity as it arises and make the best of it,” Fisher said. “I feel like [the position] is open.”
Fisher started all three of United’s preseason games at left back.
“He didn’t have much of a choice, and maybe that’s a good thing,” coach Ben Olsen said. “In a lot of ways, that’s why he’s not at Seattle. He wanted some more playing time. This is a great chance for him to prove that he’s a starter in our league.”
Kemp is projected to be out of training for the next two weeks, according to Olsen. Fisher will likely start in his position Saturday against Orlando City SC alongside his childhood friend, Mattocks.
For the first time in more than two decades, two kids from Portmore, Jamaica will put on the same MLS kit and play alongside one another.
“It’s such a small space when you’re in Jamaica,” Mattocks said. “For us to actually play together on the same professional team, it sometimes feels so surreal.”
Even though Fisher is also happy to play alongside Mattocks, he could not help but reminisce on a few old rivalry victories.
When asked whose youth team racked up more wins, Fisher replied in jest, “You really ask that question? Obviously my team, Let’s go St. George’s SC!”