Crayton Helps United Get Back on Track
United 1, Fire 0
Chicago's Cuauhtémoc Blanco, on ground, tackles D.C.'s Dan Stratford. Fred's goal helped United snap the Fire's seven-game unbeaten string.
(By Nam Y. Huh -- Associated Press)
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Sunday, August 17, 2008
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill., Aug. 16 -- Louis Crayton had only been in the country for a week, practiced with his new club all of five times and been eligible for just a day. But with D.C. United eager for goalkeeping help, Crayton was rushed into the starting lineup Saturday night against the surging Chicago Fire.
The Liberian was called upon to make only two saves, but his breathtaking stop late in the first half and his overall composure helped United earn a 1-0 victory before 19,560 at Toyota Park.
Brazilian midfielder Fred scored on a 27th-minute header as United (9-9-1) atoned for last Sunday's 4-1 loss at New York, earned its second shutout in three league matches and snapped a seven-game unbeaten streak by the Fire (9-6-5).
"Louis comes with a lot of experience, and it was an important time to see how we adjust to a new guy in there and give him a chance," United Coach Tom Soehn said. "We have been leaking goals at a staggering pace. I have tried every combination in the back and it was time to try someone new in the goal."
Though Crayton, 30, had spent much of the past 11 years as a backup in the modest Swiss League, he had appeared more than 30 times for Liberia's national team. With Zach Wells continuing to struggle, United acquired Crayton to compete for the starting job.
"I came prepared and the coaches told me that, when my papers were ready, I would be getting a game," he said. "I am still learning names, but as time goes on, we will continue to get better collectively."
His debut came in the first meeting between the teams since an ill-mannered U.S. Open Cup at Maryland SoccerPlex on July 8. A month before that confrontation, three players were sent off during a regular season meeting here. Yellow cards were flying here again -- seven for United, one for the Fire -- but the nastiness subsided.
United found an early rhythm, but no genuine scoring opportunities. Chicago star Cuauhtémoc Blanco provided the first highlight with typical showmanship, turning on a long pass and using his back to redirect the ball to a teammate.
The focus turned to Crayton in the 12th minute when Blanco, lethal on set pieces, lined up a 30-yard free kick. His bid, however, streaked just wide of the top right corner.
United seized the lead on a startlingly easy goal. As Jaime Moreno lofted a corner kick toward the heart of the penalty area, Fred made an unimpeded run from the top of the box. His momentum allowed him to drive a powerful eight-yard header past helpless goalkeeper Jon Busch for his second regular season goal.
"I saw the open space and I was all alone," Fred said. "I saw it coming all the way and all I wanted to do was bury it."
Moreno said he saw Fred waving at him, "so I hit it quick and it was a great finish by him."
