D.C. United won a thrilling 3-2 victory over the New England Revolution at Audi Field to begin their post-Hernan Losada era. At that point, Chad Ashton, the team’s interim head coach, stood up for the first time since taking over for Ben Olsen in October 2020 to end the team’s four-game losing streak.
After working with D.C. for over 15 years, many were confident that Ashton could return the team to form, and the 3-2 victory validated those predictions.
“Huge.” “I mean, totally massive,” Ashton remarked after the game when asked about the outcome.
“I was concerned when we conceded the early goal because I thought we were shell-shocked, and I was concerned about what that emotion and the previous week had taken out of us at the time. Let’s not forget that they’re the current holders of the Supporters’ Shield and a real team, so getting a result against them at any moment is huge, and it builds our confidence. It enables us to take the first steps in the right direction. “
Taxiarchis Fountas, a newly-added designate player, made his first appearance in the black and red uniform during the game. Soon after, he adjusted, scoring twice before assisting on another goal with Michael Estrada.
Before meeting with Rapid Vienna to get the player to Major League Soccer sooner, the Greek international inked a pre-contract deal to join the squad as a free agent in the summer. “He’s creating chemistry with a number of guys,” says the narrator. He simply has a deep understanding of the game. He’s certainly a game-changer. “To simply see him that smart and be emotionally pulled into the group that much is extremely amazing,” Ashton said of Fountas, who hasn’t played a game in a while.
“I know the team is ecstatic to have him here, and he clearly had a big night tonight, but he’s that type of guy.”We expect him to keep putting on shows like that.”
“Off the field, he’s already wonderfully gelled with the team.”( He doesn’t speak much English, but he’s a bit of a jokester, so with what little English he does speak, he’s able to get by. After a tumultuous week that included allegations of harsh and rigid working conditions behind the scenes, it appears that D.C. United is underway.
