D.C. United drew 3-3 with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday night at BC Place as Kimito Nono scored his first two goals for the club. Lucas Bartlett also scored for D.C. United, which held a 21-16 edge in total shots and earned 10 corner kicks.
The result moved D.C. United to 6-8-12 with 30 points and placed the club 11th in the Eastern Conference. D.C. United holds a 5-3-4 all-time regular-season record against Vancouver, including a 2-2-4 mark on the road.
Kimito Nono Scores Twice for D.C. United
D.C. United opened the scoring in the 16th minute from a set piece. Keisuke Kurokawa delivered a corner kick into the box, and Nono finished the loose ball for his first goal for the club.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC responded in the 25th minute when Bruno Caicedo sent a low cross to Brian White. Sean Johnson stopped White’s first attempt, but White scored on the rebound to tie the match at 1-1.
Vancouver took the lead in first-half stoppage time. Caicedo combined with Thomas MĂĽller down the left side before finishing into the far corner to give Vancouver a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
Lucas Bartlett Levels the Match
D.C. United equalized in the 65th minute. Kurokawa delivered another corner into the box, and Lucas Bartlett headed the ball past the Vancouver defense for his fourth goal of the season.
Vancouver regained the lead in the 72nd minute when MĂĽller fired a shot from outside the box that went in off the post. D.C. United continued to create close-range opportunities before finding another equalizer.
Hosei Kijima delivered a cross in the 80th minute, and Nono met it with a right-footed volley for his second goal of the night. The goal leveled the match at 3-3.
D.C. United Creates Chances at BC Place
Both teams pushed for a winning goal late, but neither team found one. Vancouver’s final chance in stoppage time sailed wide of the target.
Nono led D.C. United with seven shots and won four ground duels in 90 minutes. Bartlett recorded five recoveries and won six ground duels, while Kurokawa delivered the corner kicks that set up two of D.C. United’s three goals.
Kijima recorded eight defensive contributions and an assist in his first MLS start since March 1. Nathan Ordaz created four chances and completed 90 percent of his passes.
D.C. United returns to action Saturday, October 10, at Inter Miami at Nu Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
D.C. United’s 3-3 draw featured three goals from set-piece or combination play involving Kurokawa, Bartlett, Kijima and Nono. The club also created consistent attacking pressure, finishing with a 21-16 advantage in shots and 10 corner kicks.
Nono’s two goals and Bartlett’s fourth goal of the season helped D.C. United earn a point at BC Place. The result leaves the club 11th in the Eastern Conference with 30 points.
Source: Original report
