In the first three matches of the 2019 season, Bill Hamid and the D.C. United backline have not allowed a single goal. In D.C. United’s 23 year history, that is unprecedented. The Black-and-Red have faced 34 shots so far this year and relied on Hamid to make 10 saves. But the ball has not gone past them.
“I’m ecstatic,” Steve Birnbaum said after the 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. “Making sure we kept that zero was a big deal for us. That’s our goal every game, and to start the season with three shutouts, it’s huge for us. We want to keep it going and build into the next game.”
The success comes from a complete defensive effort by the D.C. United squad. In the match against Real Salt Lake, their opponents were only able to get four shots off the whole match. While the two red cards inevitably played a role in that, it’s also a sign that the midfield isn’t even allowing the ball to get to the backline.
“The way that everyone worked defensively when the ball did turnover was big,” Birnbaum said. “Our defensive midfielders were great at breaking things up. It didn’t even get back to us that much, so it was great.”
The toughest match for D.C. United’s defense was against New York City FC, where they faced 21 shots. In Hamid’s 200th start for the Black-and-Red, he made six saves, including some at critical moments. At the start of the match, it was the D.C. United attack that was pressuring New York City FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson. But NYCFC found their footing. In the 36th minute, he leapt into the air to block a shot from Alex Ring. He made another impressive stop on a free kick taken just outside the 18-yard box. Ultimately, his efforts were enough to earn a clean sheet, which is all that mattered to him and his teammates.
Against Real Salt Lake, Hamid wasn’t called upon very often. He did save a shot in the final ten minutes of the match, ensuring the clean sheet in a moment of desperation for Salt Lake City. While most of the action was taking place on the other end of the pitch, Hamid stepped up when his team needed him.
“I do like that we haven’t given up a goal,” Head Coach Ben Olsen said after the match against Real Salt Lake. “That’s tough to do in this league.”
D.C. United will take on Orlando City SC in their next match on March 31 at Orlando City Stadium. Kick off is slated for 6:30 PM ET.
