DC United get record-setting win over Toronto FC

What a game from DC United! From start to finish United completely dominated Toronto FC in all areas. Ending in a historic 7-1 win for the first time in DC United’s club’s history. Only the 10th time in MLS history that a team has scored 7 goals. The defeat was so devastating for Toronto, who have been having a tough season, that head coach Chris Armas was relieved of his coaching duties the following day. It’s worth mentioning that Armas was a potential candidate for DC United’s open manager position back in 2020. But the two couldn’t agree and United eventually found their man In Losada.

As a team sort of under construction, everything seemed to come together against Toronto. DC United shot out to an early 3-0 lead after just 20 minutes. The first 2 goals coming in the 2nd and 8th minute. Toronto had a short window where they tried to make a comeback. Ayo Akinola got a goal in the 39th and they went into halftime 3-1. The next half however, DC United took another level up and unleashed, scoring 4 goals in 20 minutes. Toronto FC went from disorganized to complete collapse.

It was a historic win for DC United and an unforgettable night. A relentless performance from the whole team. Toronto was outworked, out hustled, and outplayed. United had 9 shots on target out of 21 total shots. They won 70 duels compared to Toronto’s 44. DC had 22 successful tackles compared to just Toronto’s 6 and had an expected goals of 2.8. DC United is really coming into that formidable high octane team. DC always plans on outworking their opponent, but not only did they do that against Toronto, they were also able to finish. An area DC had been lacking during the year.

DC scored goal, after goal, after goal. They got themselves not only a touchdown but an extra point to go with it. A 7-1 wallop saw for the first time in MLS history 7 different players score a goal. Paredes, Robertha, Arriola, Kamara, Asad, Yow, and an own goal started by Canouse before ricocheting off two Toronto players and going in the net. Check out all 7 goals below, courtesy of DC United media. After the win DC United moved into 6th place in the eastern conference with 16 points, just ahead of Columbus, Montreal, and the NY Red Bulls who also sit at 16.

Andy Najar and Kevin Paredes make Team of the Week

Two players that really stood out for DC  were Kevin Paredes and Andy Najar. Paredes has locked down the left wingback position since he stepped into it earlier in the season. He’s been a solid defender and even stronger going forward to attack.

He got his first goal of the year sprinting into the box as a late runner to just barely get on the end of a low cross and smashed it home. Paredes finished with a whopping 14 duels won and 11  ball recoveries. He plays with so much fire and energy he is constantly working. He also brings a ton of passion and emotion as well which is great to see from your 18-year-old.

Andy Najar has been a great surprise with his play this year as well. Arguably DC United’s best defensive player of the year, Najar has been huge for DC since making his return to the club. His technical ability and his confidence on the ball have made Najar a difference-maker in all areas. He can get the ball out of dangerous areas and smartly and calmly play it to a teammate to clear. He can also progress the ball, take that risk, and put the ball into dangerous areas going forward. Playing the right center-back in a 3-4-3 he’s been great going forward. Overlapping with Gressel and pushing forward he did a great job of getting the ball into dangerous areas in Torontos final third, he finished the night with 2 assists.

Yow makes an Appearance

Another homegrown for DC United, Griffin Yow made only his third appearance on the year coming off the bench. He put in a great performance getting an assist and scoring a goal in just 28 minutes. Both the assist and goal were phenomenal. A loose ball just outside of DC Uniteds 18-yard box rolled quickly towards Yow who was waiting for it intently. He launched the ball forward into Torontos half on the first touch and sent Kamara spriting towards goal before he brought it down and slotted it home.

Yow’s goal came shortly after and was the icing on the cake in the 7-1 rout. A through ball to yow sent him on goal past a tired and defeated Toronto defense. Running down the endline keeping his body open indicating he’ll send a pass back across goal, instead flipped and took it right to goal slamming the ball behind Torontos keeper Bono.

Hernan Losada is sitting real pretty right now. A bad season or bad start would’ve left him in the hot seat, but instead, his chair is feeling very cold right now. He’s bringing out seat cushions and getting a drink for his cup holder. Losada has his team playing great soccer and theyre doing it the way he wants to.

Follow Collin Allison of MLSmultiplex on twitter @MLSnutmeg