DC United cruise past Chivas USA in Hamid's 100th game
Goalkeeper Bill Hamid made his 100 appearance in net for DC United as they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Chivas USA Sunday night.
It was a big three points for United as they try to keep pace with Eastern Conference leaders Sporting KC. Eddie Johnson, Perry Kitchen and Luis Silva netted the goals for DC tonight. Johnson’s goal came on a penalty kick after Chris Rolfe was taken down inside the box. Kitchen would double the lead off a header from Johnson in the 60th minute, while Silva put the game out of reach in the 73rd.
Chivas USA scored on a penalty kick as a result of Steve Birnbaum’ foul in the 84th minute.
The win is DC’s third in a row and puts an end to Chivas USA’s four game win streak. Despite Johnson being a part of two goals, Luis Silva continuing his rise to stardom, and Kitchen’s ridiculously consistent play the night undoubtedly belonged to Hamid.
Not only was the United goalkeeper celebrating his 100th game, Hamid was also named to the MLS All-Star squad for their match against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. The All-Star selection is well deserved, Hamid holds an Eastern conference best save percentage at 73.5 and his 1.14 goals against average is fourth in MLS. Hamid is the only DC United player to be selected to the All-Star squad.
Hamid signed directly with DC United from their academy program and made his MLS debut at only 19 years of age. Hamid is now the first MLS homegrown player to reach the 100 game mark and the youngest goalkeeper to reach that mark as well. Hamid’s play this year has certainly been a large part in DC’s success this year and with Hamid’s age there is no reason not to believe he will continue to be a pivotal part of DC United for years to come.
Hamid stands 6’3″ inches tall and weighs in at 225 pounds. Hamid is athletically gifted in net and is reminiscent of Everton and USMNT goalie Tim Howard. When Howard finally does step down from the USMNT, or slids into a mentoring back up role, I expect that Hamid will be the one to replace him. Hamid has shown such promise and potential, not to mention flat out skill, that I find it hard to believe he would not be the future goalkeeper of the USMNT.
