Heading into the All-Star Game, United sat in eighth place in the East after having collected 22 points through 20 games. While playing cohesive soccer, the Black-and-Red's main problem was the fact that they could not score, as Ben Olsen’s team was averaging just .95 goals per game (second-worst rate in MLS in that time).
A week before, general manager and VP of soccer operations Dave Kasper made several moves, trading for then-New York City FC forward Patrick Mullins, who had not been seeing much playing time under Patrick Vieira, while trading away forward Fabián EspĂndola. Kasper also made a move on July 7, acquiring New York Red Bulls winger Lloyd Sam.
Since the All-Star Game, D.C. United have been the most explosive team in MLS. Their 32 goals are nine more than any other team, helping them to a record of 6-1-6.
United head coach Ben Olsen sees the Mullins and Sam acquisitions as the main reason for their suddenly explosive attack.
"[Mullins] understands how to maneuver in the box and be in the right spot at the right times," Olsen told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday. "It's also the ability of a Lloyd Sam to connect on the end of his service, which he's one of the best guys in the league at."
This significant uptick can be explained in many ways. United rank first or second in MLS in several offensive categories since July 30.
Before 7/30 (league rank) |
Stat |
After 7/30 (league rank) |
|---|---|---|
13.2 (7) |
Shots/Game |
15.23 (1) |
31.39% (5) |
% of Passes in Final Third |
33.43% (2) |
7.5 (12) |
Shots Inside the Box/Game |
9.92 (1) |
1.45 (14) |
Big Chances/Game |
2.08 (1) |
7.2% (20) |
Conversion Rate |
16.16% (1)<br> |
For more information on United's second-half explosion, head to MLSsoccer.com.
