United 1, Fire 0
By Steven Goff
Washington Post Staff Writer
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."
Crayton preserved the lead with a sensational save in the 44th minute, diving to his right to touch Chris Rolfe's rocket just wide of the post.
"I got my hand on it and when I turned, I saw it was very close to the post," Crayton said.
The Fire bolstered its attack at halftime by inserting new arrival Brian McBride, a three-time U.S. World Cup participant whose Chicago debut had been delayed by Olympic duty. McBride, 36, grew up in this area and started his pro career in earnest with the Columbus Crew 12 years ago. He spent five seasons with English club Fulham before re-signing with MLS this summer.
McBride's appearance energized the crowd, but United continued to attack confidently and somewhat effectively. One-touch combination work between Fred, Moreno and Santino Quaranta freed Fred at the top of the box, but his low shot hit the inside of the right post.
Crayton was dangerously unassertive on a couple of passes into the box, but recovered in time. He also watched Andy Herron's clear shot on the run from 21 yards miss badly and Blanco curl an 18-yarder off the crossbar in the 64th minute.
United found itself under increasing pressure the final 10 minutes, but Chicago was unable to make solid contact inside the penalty area. In injury time, Crayton fumbled a high ball, but McBride's attempt was cleared off the goal line by Devon McTavish.
"We were committed to defending," Soehn said. "We were organized, we killed [passing] channels, we won balls -- everybody was committed to winning a 1-0 game."
United Notes: Defender Gonzalo Martínez received a yellow card, meaning he will miss Wednesday's game at New England for an accumulation of warnings. . . . Defender Gonzalo Peralta (hamstring injury) and midfielder Marcelo Gallardo (sports hernia surgery) did not make the trip.
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