In Rooney’s second match in cost, United was not practically ok to beat an growth facet that, except for a number of spells, managed the festivities earlier than an introduced 31,520 at Bank of America Stadium.
Three days after a miraculous end overshadowed shortcomings — and produced a 2-1 comeback victory over Orlando City at Audi Field — United (6-13-3) was again to its previous methods. It fell behind inside quarter-hour for the sixth time in eight matches, manufactured few high quality possibilities and fell to 1-4-1 previously six outings.
Leading scorer Taxi Fountas didn’t play the second half due to groin tightness, and beginning defender Brendan Hines-Ike left with a foot harm that can require X-rays.
Charlotte (9-12-2) went forward on Birnbaum’s inadvertent personal purpose, then raced away in a three-minute span of the second half on objectives by Karol Swiderski and Quinn McNeill. All the scoring got here off crosses.
“All night we didn’t deal with crosses well enough,” Rooney stated. “I stressed to the players at halftime that we need to get closer to stop crosses coming into the box, which we didn’t do. And when it comes into the box, we have to defend them better. That was a disappointment.”
United didn’t have a severe menace till Chris Durkin’s 89th-minute bid crashed off the body. The guests labored to construct significant possession and positioned one shot on purpose towards a workforce that conceded seven objectives the earlier two matches.
“We got into areas where I wanted us to get into, but we weren’t positive enough,” Rooney stated. “We were hesitant to pass forward.”
Charlotte went forward when Swiderski headed Joseph Mora’s cross into visitors within the six-yard field. Rafael Romo prolonged himself and punched the ball, which caromed off the face of the retreating Birnbaum.
Fountas (11 objectives) departed at halftime for precautionary causes, Rooney stated. Eight minutes into the second half, Hines-Ike was helped off — and issues obtained progressively worse.
In the sixty fourth minute, after Charlotte moved the ball facet to facet, Romo made a diving save on Yordy Reyna’s smash from past the penalty space. Swiderski tapped within the rebound.
“Once they scored that second goal,” Birnbaum stated, “it was a gut punch.”
Three minutes later, after Romo stopped Swiderski’s header off a cross, Gaines crossed to McNeill for an eight-yard one-timer.
Here’s what else to find out about United’s defeat:
Ochoa travels however doesn’t go well with up
Newly acquired goalkeeper David Ochoa, pegged to compete for the beginning job, traveled with the workforce for conditioning and acclimation functions however remains to be seven to 10 days from being prepared to play, Rooney stated.
Midfielder Russell Canouse returned from a hamstring harm and made his first begin since June 25.
Striker Ola Kamara, a sub in his previous three appearances, made his first begin since July 8. Miguel Berry, who didn’t rating in two begins since he arrived from Columbus, got here off the bench within the seventieth minute.
Transfer and commerce deadline nears
With someday left in MLS’s switch and commerce window, United officers stay out there for a participant to fill the final designated participant slot and others to add depth.
“We were trying to get something over the line or close to done while the game was going on,” Rooney stated. “It could be difficult in terms of the time frame, but we are trying to get at least one more player done.”
Christian Benteke, a Belgian striker at Crystal Palace, was amongst three worldwide forwards on the shortlist, an individual conversant in the scenario stated. Given the presumed excessive switch payment and contract, although, he’s a protracted shot.
Even after the window closes late Thursday evening, groups should signal free brokers till the Sept. 2 roster freeze.
Red Bulls arriving in D.C.
United will cap a stretch of three matches over seven days Saturday evening when the rival New York Red Bulls (10-7-6) go to Audi Field. The Red Bulls, who’re coming off a 5-4 residence defeat to the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday, are in prime place to win the annual Atlantic Cup after routing United, 4-1, on May 28 in Harrison, N.J.
United finalized the hiring of assistant coach Pete Shuttleworth, who was on Rooney’s workers at Derby County in England. Until he receives a piece visa, the Englishman will proceed to observe matches from the suite stage.
“I was excited about the project here at D.C. United and look forward to the challenge of helping the club achieve great things under Wayne,” Shuttleworth stated in an announcement.
DMV affect in Charlotte
Former University of Maryland star Ben Bender, the primary decide in final winter’s draft, made his 14th begin for Charlotte and logged 84 minutes.
Reyna, who was launched by United final offseason, was influential all through the match. Mora, one other D.C. castoff, was strong at left again.
