If there's one thing the DC United fans needed, it was a breath of fresh air, a sigh of relief, a glimmer of hope. And it came, with pomp and circumstance, on a magical night that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The overwhelming 3-0 victory over Santos Laguna was more than just a win.
Anyone who was at the stadium or even watched on TV saw a DC United reborn from the ashes, like a phoenix refusing to be extinguished. And the architect of this rebirth goes by the name of Christian Benteke. The Belgian star, with his imposing presence and undeniable skill, was the first to leave his mark on the scoreboard, 28 minutes into the first half.
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Ted Ku-Dipietro and Cristian Dájome were the other protagonists of this spectacle, each with a goal that added another layer of euphoria to the night. But it wasn't just the goals that shone. DC United's defense, often criticized for its lapses throughout the season, raised an impenetrable wall. It's no exaggeration to say that Lesesne achieved what seemed impossible: turning a vulnerable defense into a fortress.
Lesesne, by the way, deserves applause not just for this victory, but for the transformation he imposed on the team. He himself said, with a smile he couldn't hide, that this was the most complete performance of the season. And you can't disagree. The team dominated the first half, kept the pressure on in the second, and gave Santos Laguna no breathing room.
But let's be honest, Benteke stole the show. It's not the first time he's shown his worth, but in recent games, he seems to have found a new level. With goals in three consecutive games, Benteke reaffirmed himself as the cornerstone of DC United's attack. Lesesne didn't hold back the praise: "He's extremely dangerous in every match. He's the type of player any coach dreams of having."
And this resurgence couldn't come at a better time. Despite their modest position in the Eastern Conference, DC United is on a four-game winning streak. More than the results, it's the quality of the performances that impress. Lesesne made it clear that the goal isn't just to win but to win playing well, with consistency and determination. And if they keep up this pace, who dares to doubt they can go far in the Leagues Cup?
Now, the challenge is to maintain this level in the knockout stages. Starting August 7, the competition gets even tougher, and DC United will have to be ready for any opponent, whether an old MLS rival or a fierce LIGA MX team.