I've been watching the MLS season opener from Washington, as the hometown D.C. United host the defending league champion San Jose Earthquakes. The attention today has been all about 14-year old Freddy Adu, but he didn't get into today's match until the 60th minute when United head coach Peter Nowak substituted him for striker Alecko Eskandarian.
But while all the attention has been on Adu, the real news on the field has to be the offensive flair demonstrated by D.C. United. For the first time in a few seasons, there seems to be a real connection between the United midfield and their forwards.
In particular, Jaime Moreno has looked reborn in his return to Washington after a short stint playing for the Metrostars. The result: a 2-1 lead late in the second half for Washington, though they could easily have a two or three goal lead at this point.
UPDATE: In the 83rd minute, Adu took a tumble in the penalty area, and tried to sell the ref on a penalty kick, but the ref wasn't buying, and told Adu in no uncertain terms to get back up. A great moment.
STOPPAGE TIME: The final: D.C. United 2 San Jose Earthquakes 1. Moreno was the star in his return to Washington, posting a goal and an assist.
From where I was sitting, it looked like Freddy was outside the box when he fell, so it would’ve been a dangerous free kick but not a PK.
Incidentally, did you notice the defender who stood him up there? None other than Jeff Agoos, who won three MLS titles with D.C. United and two with San Jose. Five titles in eight years — not a bad record.