D.C. United 2015 Season Review: Analysis

In 2013, D.C. United had the worst season in their long term club history. Then the following year they regained momentum and finished first in the Eastern Conference. United also made it to the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. The playoffs on the other hand were not so kind to D.C. They lost to the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Nothing was different in 2015.

D.C. United’s season came to end when they were defeated by the Red Bulls 2-0 on aggregate in the Conference semifinals.

There were many positives going into 2015 for D.C. United. Perry Kitchen, Steve Birnbaum, and Bill Hamid received United States Mens Soccer National Team call-ups. An official site was also selected for the team’s new stadium which is scheduled to be open in March of 2017; a much needed upgrade to bring the team in line with the rest of the league.

One word springs to mind when thinking about United’s 2015 campaign: injury.

This was an injury plagued season for some very important players in United’s front line. Two of the best strikers in the history of the league, Fabian Espindola and Eddie Johnson, both had several knocks throughout the season. Eddie Johnson actually did not play in a game this season and has now officially retired from the game.

Bill Hamid, the 2014 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, had many back issues in the beginning of the season which caused him to miss a decent amount of games. This disrupted the team also of course.

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The team finished 4th overall in the Eastern Conference with a 15-13-6 record. They tallied 43 goals for the entire season, the third worst in the league. The defense surrendered 45 goals in the whole season as well.

Strengths Of United

Bill Hamid

Bill Hamid is the next United States goalkeeper! He is a tremendous goalkeeper who can make a game changing save at any moment. Without Hamid, D.C. united may have not been in the playoffs, and they may have not made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Look for Hamid, to be the top goalkeeper in MLS for many years to come.

Kitchen Cleans Up

If nobody is shocked about how good Hamid is, watch out for Perry Kitchen. I will admit I am not a big fan of Kitchen, but after the 2015 season he had, I am convinced. This kid is the real deal and I see him getting many more U.S call ups in the future. I also see him taking Kyle Beckerman’s spot as the next central defensive midfielder for the United States.

Oct 25, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid (28) directs his defenders before a Columbus Crew SC corner kick at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus won the match 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

United’s Weaknesses

Offensive Explosion

United’s offense was one of the worst in the league. They only tallied 43 goals on the season, very low compared to the 52 they scored in 2014. The lower production of offense for D.C. is a result of the absence of Fabian Espindola.

Outside Backs

Sorry United fans. Kemp and Korb are not doing the trick anymore. Yes, Sean Franklin is a good right back but injuries have kept him out for a while. United needs to shop for a new outside back, at least on the left side of the field.

Next: Matt Miazga exiting New York?

Final Thoughts

Many United fans have tasted MLS Cup victories in the past and may see this season as not a a success. I see this season as a big leap for United, back to their MLS Cup winning ways. After a horrible 2013 season, the team has bounced back in 2014 and 2015. I see a good squad for United in 2016 if some players deal with their injuries.

2015 Grade: B

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