Despite a 3-0 loss, D.C. United dominated possession last night against the fire 67%-32%; a large part of that was due to Jared Jeffrey's work in the middle of the midfield. The talented MLS rookie, having just won MLS Goal of the Week, had some confidence coming into this match. Playing in front of Perry Kitchen at center back, as the pair did for the U-23 2012 Olympic Qualifying campaign, Jeffrey had 16.3% of United's passes on the night, the most by a large margin. Jeffrey's vision and quick, pin-point distribution are a difference maker for the Black-and-Red. The 23-year-old plays more of an in between midfielder role, covering an impressive amount of ground bos-to-box. With a powerful and accurate strike, Jeffrey can catch goalkeepers off guard from distance, which he almost did again last night, hitting the post from well out-side the box.
WATCH: Highlights - D.C. United 0 - Chicago 3 (Jeffrey's strike - 2:10)
The talented midfielder also had to adapt to three different styles of play in just over 45 minutes time, seeing John Thorrington, Collin Martin and Luis Silva slide into that central role with him at times. Though Jeffrey has only played a handful of matches for D.C. United, watching him, along with Kitchen, Martin, Silva, Nick DeLeon and Conor Doyle combine and find their rhythm on the pitch, gave us a glimpse of the young talents' potential and exciting direction of the club for 2014.
The Black-and-Red return home next weekend to host the Philadelphia Union. Buy you tickets here.
