Gomez Brace Moves D.C. Closer to Semi’s
The second of two CONCACAF Champion’s Cup quarterfinals was played today between MLS side D.C. United, and Honduran side CD Olimpia. The opening minutes didn’t see much dominance by either side, until the thirtieth minute when D.C. United’s Christian Gomez showed some wonderful skill picking out the far upper corner from just outside the eighteen. Although D.C.’s advantage didn’t last long as Juan Manuel Cárcamo tied it up for CD Olimpia just four minutes later.
D.C. was able to gain some control towards the end of the first half, and their control would pay off as new signing Luciano Emilio found the back of the net on his debut with a slick back heel from a cross by Josh Gross. As a side note: Olimpia is Emilio’s former club.
The second half didn’t look much different from the first as neither side really dominated. Both sides appeared to have runs of brilliance, moving the ball, controlling the midfield and producing viable chances. Unfortunately for Olimpia, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, while D.C. was able to slot two more home before the final whistle.
The first came from Christian Gomez in the sixtieth minute as again he showed his ability to pick out a part of the goal from distance. Emilio had his shot blocked by the Olimpian defense which Gomez was able to collect on the outside edge of the box. Gomez took a deft touch giving him barley enough space to shoot around the defender, but was able to beat the defender and find the right post while evading Olimpian keeper Ricardo James.
Defender Facundo Erpen rounded out the scoring as he nodded home a corner from Ben Olsen in the eighty-fifth minute. Erpen did well to hold his ground despite the pushing and rise above the surrounding players making a connection with the ball the found a vacant back post.
It was a day that favor decided to lie with D.C. as both sides looked comparable, with CD Olimpia even looking better than D.C. at times. The main difference was D.C.’s ability to finish and stay composed in front of the goal. Baring any vast blunders by D.C. in the return leg to RFK Stadium on March first, they should advance to the semi-finals to play either Mexican side CD Guadalajara, or Trinidad and Tobagen side W Connection FC.
D.C. United 6.5/10 | CD Olimpia 6/10
Final Score: D.C. United 4-1 CD Olimpia
