In final months of the 2018 season, D.C. United developed momentum that carried them into the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. The Black-and-Red went unbeaten in the last two months of the regular season (7-0-3), winning their last five home games. In a season that had its share of struggles, D.C. United fought for a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and a chance at the playoffs, which ended in a hard-fought match against the Columbus Crew in the Knockout Round.
Ahead of their 2019 season opener, the Black-and-Red were looking to carry that momentum into their new season.
And in their first game, they certainly found that momentum. D.C. United scored two goals and earned a clean sheet against the defending MLS champions. Paul Arriola netted the first goal off of a corner kick and Luciano Acosta sealed the win with a powerful shot that rocketed past Guzan and into the net. Acosta noted after the match that his success from last season gave him confidence coming into the game today.
“I was calm,” Acosta said. “Started off calm and it’s an important game against the former champions, current champions. We had to prepare responsibly and be responsible on the field from the beginning. It was our first big test and I was happy to score.”
Part of what helped give D.C. United that momentum last season was the support of the home crowd. And they did not disappoint on Sunday night.
“I think we performed really well,” Wayne Rooney added. “The important thing for us was the fitness work which we can improve on from last year in the start of the season. We worked hard all preseason and fitness levels were good. Once you’re back here at Audi Field, the crowd behind you, we put performances in.”
“Great energy from the crowd as always,” Head Coach Ben Olsen said. “Hopefully we sent them home happy.”
D.C. United will look to continue their strong start to the season when they travel to New York for a match against New York City FC on March 10th. They will return to Audi Field the following week to take on Real Salt Lake.
