New York Red Bulls Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – Bill Hamid proves his class

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United passes the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United passes the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 04: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) with goalkeeper Bill Hamid (24) at the end of a MLS match between D.C United and Columbus Crew SC, on May 04, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 04: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) with goalkeeper Bill Hamid (24) at the end of a MLS match between D.C United and Columbus Crew SC, on May 04, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Hamid proves his class

As far as underrated MLS goalkeepers go, D.C. United shot-stopper Bill Hamid is right up there with the best of them.

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Prior to Sunday’s game, the 28-year-old had made the second-highest number of saves in MLS with 123, pulling D.C. out of holes time and time again. And in New York, he was on top form again, pulling off a wonderous save from Cristian Casseres Jr from close range when it looked certain the Red Bulls would draw first blood in this Atlantic Cup clash.

He’ll never be held in the same regard as the likes of fellow USMNT internationals Brad Guzan and Sean Johnson, but Hamid is a wall behind the D.C. United defence, one which the very best in MLS will struggle to get past during the playoffs in this form.

His kicking may still have some questioning his fit in the modern game, but Hamid is a world-class shot-stopper and is essential to the D.C. defensive set-up, which is one of the best in all of MLS.