D.C. United forward Freddy Adu believes Friday’s 3-0 victory against San Jose was a turning point for the team.
Adu, Jaime Moreno and All-Star Christian Gomez were the starting forwards for just the second time this season, and the trio clicked, making runs with the ball and anticipating each others’ moves. They combined for three goals, two by Gomez, and two assists in the victory.
Adu is confident goals should start coming with more consistency, beginning with tonight’s game at Kansas City.
“That triangle up top, with me, Jaime and Christian, is going to be the toughest triangle to stop,” Adu said. “It should be good if we continue getting to know each other. If you try to stop one of us, the others are going to punish you.”
Adu said it initially was a difficult adjustment to play alongside Gomez and Moreno because “they play the game and read it at such a fast pace.”
Moreno came back from a sprained ankle Friday after being sidelined July9 against Kansas City.
Gomez, who has been an important offensive contributor since signing with United in August, and Moreno each have eight goals this season. However, the rest of the roster has combined for just nine goals for United (7-6-4).
Forward Alecko Eskandarian, who scored 10 goals last year and was MLS Cup MVP, has yet to score this season. He has dealt with various injuries, including post-concussion syndrome.
Adu also missed some time while travelling with the U.S. under-20 team to Holland in June. But Eskandarian is listed as probable for tonight’s game, and Adu likely will get his fourth consecutive start.
United won’t limit its options to the front triangle. Coach Peter Nowak is counting on other forwards and offensive midfielders to contribute to the scoring. Josh Gros earned his first assist this year on a cross to Moreno against San Jose. Dema Kovalenko received his third assist on the same play.
“It’s important to have Jaime back,” Nowak said. “Freddy, Jaime and Christian understand each other very well right now. You cannot forget about the other guys around them, though. They make everything work.”
Moreno said United must build on the momentum from Friday’s victory.
“[We need to] keep believing in our game, in the way we play,” Moreno said. “We’ll create more chances if everyone’s on the same page. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy [to repeat last years success]. We have to go out and finish strong.”
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