MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Play to Draw against Swedish Side Jönköpings Södra IF

Published on February 2, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


BRADENTON, FL (February 2, 2016) - D.C. United drew 2-2 against Swedish team Jönköpings Södra IF in Bradenton in their second match of the 2016 preseason.

United scored first when Lamar Neagle was brought down by the opposing goalkeeper inside the penalty area early in the match and Fab?-an Esp?-ndola converted the PK. Andrew Dykstra saved a penalty kick shortly thereafter and held the lead through the end of the half. For the final 45 minutes, United brought out 11 new players. Jönköpings Södra IF went on to score two goals in the second half, but Miguel Aguilar answered late in the match to even the score at 2-2.

The Black-and-Red resume training in Bradenton tomorrow until Friday, Feb. 5, when they return to Washington. Media will have access to players for the first time in 2016 on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the unveiling of the 2016 primary kit at Pinstripes in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Players and coaches will be available promptly at 2 PM.

Ben Olsen, head coach

On the team's progress during preseason:

These preseason games are important to make sure you're progressing and you're seeing positive movements both on the field and off and today we saw that the spirit was better throughout the group. On the field there was much more chemistry and a better understanding of what we want to do on an offensive side in transition and on a defensive side.

On Marcelo Sarvas joining United:

I'm very happy he [Marcelo] is joining us. We liked him because he's an experienced guy who knows this league, but more importantly, he's got personality and we need a little personality on this team. He's going to drive training and help us in the tough games and you can already see the effect he has on the team.

Lamar Neagle, midfielder:

On the team chemistry progressing:

We're getting to know each other a little more and trying to find our roles on the team...getting used to guys, that attributed to it.

Overall thoughts on the friendly:

Definitely good to get a couple of goals. I thought we connected well but there's still more work to do, but I thought we looked good. We're still getting to know everybody and our roles and I think they're [the coaches] checking everybody out in different places.

Marcelo Sarvas, midfielder:

On stepping onto the field for DCU for the first time:

I felt good. I played 30 minutes and I think of course for a first game you don't know names, it's hard to communicate but in the first and second half, we did a good job. It's looking good, it's looking [like] we can have a good season.

On fitting into United's system:

I'm a box to box midfielder. I like to move and go behind the ball, create space and feed the forwards and midfielders. I hope I can fit in this way, so I can give my best. We have very intelligent players around me, experienced players, so I see that my style is going to fit very well with this team.

On using championship experience to help United:

When you are playing your best it makes you much more confident. When you have the taste from winning championships, you always want more and more [trophies] and my desire for winning every game, every minute, it's still the same. I hope I can have the same success and I hope I can win championships with DC.

Check out the D.C. United Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from February 2, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central