Preseason match 2: United vs Malmo FF

The Black-and-Red wrap-up preseason in Florida unbeaten

February 2, 2012

Nicolas Fernandez / dcunited.com

D.C. United faced Swedish team Malmo FF at IMG Academy in Bradenton this morning, in a match that saw the sides play to a 1-1 draw. After ten days of training in Florida, the scrimmage marked the end of the first stage of preseason for United, who will remain in D.C. for three days before departing to Arizona on Monday.

The match began with a balanced battle for possession, as neither team could create clear chances during the first ten minutes. But the course of the game would change quickly, as United’s first warning came in the 12th minute with a shot from outside the box that was stopped by goalkeeper Bill Hamid. Two minutes later, the Black-and-Red conceded a foul at the top of the box, giving Malmo a clear chance to take the lead. Former Sounder Erik Friberg did not waste the opportunity and buried the free kick into the upper right corner of Hamid’s goal.

Malmo’s tally seemed to wake up United, who took possession of the ball and began to attack more aggressively. The first real attempt come from Blake Brettschneider, who connected on a cross from De Rosario, but his header was deflected by Malmo’s keeper. Moments later, last year's MLS MVP ran through four defenders until the ball was kicked out of bounds for a corner kick. Danny Cruz created the last chance of the half from the left flank, nutmegging a defender and taking a shot from outside the box, but the strike was controlled by Malmo’s netminder.

The rest of the first half saw a physical battle all around the field, with United defenders put to the test by the European’s physical presence.

With an entirely new lineup, the Black-and-Red took the field in the second half. The energy of United’s fresh players was felt almost instantly, and trialist Ryan Richter tied the match in the 54th minute. The former Union player headed the ball inside the box after a precise left-footed cross by Korb.

United’s second team seemed determined to take the lead, moving the ball around patiently and looking for spaces. Supplemental Draft pick Lance Rozeboom was United’s most active participant in the middle, while Nick DeLeon became a constant threat for defenders on the left side of the field. However, neither team was able to break the tie, as the score remained 1-1 at the final whistle.

United captain Dwayne De Rosario commented on the team’s performance after playing his first 45 minutes of the year.

“Overall, I think we did okay,” said the 2011 MLS MVP. “It felt good to be back out there with the guys. Obviously, letting a goal in the first half was disappointing. We need to keep working on getting back, gelling with each other. And that’s what these games are for; to get back accustomed playing with each other.”

“The new faces did well in the second half,” continued De Rosario. “They were able to get us back on the game and score. I’m proud of that, we have some potential depth in this team and I think the match capped off a good first preseason trip.”

Scoring Summary
MFF - Erik Friberg (unassisted) 14'
DC - Ryan Richter 54'

Misconduct Summary:
None

Lineups:

D.C. UNITED

First Half: Bill Hamid; Robbie Russell, Dejan Jakovic, Brandon McDonald, Daniel Woolard; Andy Najar, Perry Kitchen, Danny Cruz, Branko Boskovic; Dwayne De Rosario, Blake Brettschneider (Stefan Jerome [trialist] 29')

Second Half: Joe Willis; Chris Korb, Sebastian Svard [trialist], Conor Shanosky, Jed Zayner [trialist]; Seth C'deBaca [trialist], Lance Rozeboom [trialist], Stephen King, Nick DeLeon (Charles Rodriguez [trialist] 82'); Ryan Richter [trialist], Stefan Jerome [trialist]

Malmö FF

First Half: Johan Dahlin; Ulrich Vinzents, Markus Halsti, Pontus Jansson, Ricardinho; Jiloan Hamad, Erik Friberg, Simon Thern, Jimmy Durmaz; Mathias Ranégie, Dardan Rexhepi

Second Half: Robin Olsen; Filip Stenström, Markus Halsti, Filip Helander, Miiko Albornoz; Simon Kroon, Amin Nazari, Wilton Figueiredo, Tobias Lewicki; Alex Nilsson, Jasmin Sudic Daniel Andersson