Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 15629
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
Jermaine played the full second half for DC United in a 3-2 win versus Santos Laguana in Torreon, Mexico. --------------------------------- His competition at Center Back includes Juan Manuel Pena, an experienced Bolivian defender who spent the last decade in La Liga playing for the likes of Valladolid, Villa Real, and most recently Celta Vigo.
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 15629
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
Preseason Game #6: DCU 3 - Santos Laguna 2 03/11/2010 1:50 AM by Alex Caulfield
D.C. United capped a productive stay in Torreon, Mexico tonight by winning a pulsating friendly match against Santos Laguna. The Black-and-Red claimed a 3-2 result, and the club is now 3-1-2 in the 2010 preseason. After six days south of the border United will move on to complete their preseason duties in Charleston, South Carolina.
From the very beginning tonight’s contest was played in front of an electric crowd. A near capacity audience at the Nuevo Estadio Corona created a vibrant atmosphere, and credit to United for standing firm and taking the offensive. Head Coach Curt Onalfo played two separate units in each half to look at as many players as possible in the match.
Onalfo’s men came out with a distinct sense of purpose, as forward Chris Pontius grabbed an early goal in the 23’ to put Santos on their heels. New signing Christian Castillo whipped in a corner kick and Pontius rose above the opposing defenders to place the ball near-post.
The Black-and-Red doubled their lead seven minutes later when Brandon Barklage streaked down the right wing and played a long through ball to captain Jaime Moreno, who redirected a shot past goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez.
The Santos crowd was stunned by United’s endeavor, and the Black-and-Red jogged off the pitch at halftime with their two-goal lead intact.
The second half produced end-to-end football, as Santos opened up their offense in an attempt to equalize. In the 54’ striker Francisco Torres curled a shot past United netminder Troy Perkins, putting los Guerreros within a goal.
The equalizer came when Santos substitute Darwin Quintero slotted a low-driven ball into Perkins’ far corner in the 63’. Yet it was United that would have the final say, when in the 70’ John DiRaimondo sent a reaching through ball across the top of Santos’ 18-yard box and Boyzzz Khumalo struck the ball past Sanchez’s outstretched arms.
The remaining 20 minutes were frantic, as Santos’ piled forward trying to claim their third leveler of the match. It was not to be, and United held on for a morale-boosting victory on a warm spring evening in Torreon.
Even though the match was incredibly compelling, the most stirring moment of the evening came when Santos’ supporters applauded United’s players as they left the pitch. This gesture was moving, as United’s staff and players returned the fans’ applause and Black-and-Red kits were thrown into the crowd. It is not often that American sides are received in this manner in Mexico, a notion that goalkeeper Troy Perkins recognizes.
“It’s the first time that I have seen that type of class and appreciation from an opposing set of fans, especially after we just defeated the team that they support,” said Perkins.
He continues, “I think the whole trip has been that way really, we have been treated very well, respected, and it has been wonderful.”
The Black-and-Red will take a few hours to pack their bags and sleep before departing for Torreon International Airport at 5:30 AM. The club will arrive in Charleston on Thursday afternoon, where United is set to face MLS foes Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, and USL side Charleston Battery in the Carolina Challenge Cup.
DCU first half line-up: Troy Perkins; Devon McTavish, Dejan Jakovic, Juan Manuel Pena, Rodney Wallace; Brandon Barklage, Kurt Morsink, Santino Quaranta, Christian Castillo; Chris Pontius, Jaime Moreno
DCU second half line-up: Troy Perkins; Lawson Vaughn, Jermaine Taylor, Julius James, Daniel Woolard; Tiyi Shipalane, Daniel Wasson, John DiRaimondo, Boyzzz Khumalo; Adam Cristman, Danny Allsopp
Santos Laguna line-up: Oswaldo Sanchez; Osmar Mares (Alberto Soto 65'), Jose Olvera, Leon Hoyo, Rafael Figueroa (Andres Santana 65'); Alejandro Martinez (Matias Vuoso 60'), Jaime Toledo, Fernando Arce, Arnulfo Gonzalez; Agustin Herrera (Darwin Quintero 60'), Francisco Torres (Oribe Peralta 60')
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 15629
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
03/14/2010
D.C. United Academy product Andy Najar has rejoined the club in Charelston, while trialists Daniel Wasson and Jermaine Taylor are no longer with the team.
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 15629
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
I do not understand DC United reason for not signing Jermaine Taylor. They need serious help on the their backline and Jermaine Taylor is a experience international defender who they may able to sell for a decent profit in 18 months. But instead, they signed "Bolivian Juan Manuel Pena. A classy defender with loads of experience. But he's 37 and was retired when he signed last month. Should it be a surprise that he was injured minutes into his second game and is now sidelined?"
Registered: 03/25/01
Posts: 15629
Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
Offline
Someone please explain why DC United did not try to get Taylor before the April 15th deadline, especially that his club secured a place in the DPL
-----------------------------
D.C. United woes mount Washington Post Soccer Insider, April 20th, 2010 1:10PM
D.C. United, which has started the season with three loss, has more injury problems. Central defender Dejan Jakovic will be out four to six weeks with a fractured clavicle. Attacker Chris Pontius has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a hamstring strain.
Jakovic was injured April 10 against Philadelphia when he was kicked by teammate Julius James as the pair pursued a bouncing ball. Jakovic lowered his head when James' kick struck him in the upper body and head.
Midfielder Clyde Simms and defender Juan Manuel Pena have hamstring injuries. Also out are defenders Marc Burch (foot) and Bryan Namoff (post-concussion).
