Highlights and context: One goal stands up for D.C. United over Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake management knew these days were ahead, when a younger roster would inevitably lead to losses.

The visitors from Utah were in a fairly even, and very tactical, match against D.C. United at RFK Stadium. With both clubs missing their top playmakers – Dwayne De Rosario for United and Javier Morales for RSL – that was hardly surprising.

It may have been a scoreless draw but for a mistake by young Sebastian Velasquez. Velasquez, generally not on the field last year with veteran Will Johnson around, was late pulling forward in the 60^th minute, trailing dangerous behind his teammates as RSL cleared a ball initially.

Sure enough, the ball comes stinging back in, goalkeeper Nick Rimando makes a  big save, but Lionard Pajoy was there to put home the game-winner. He would have been well offside … but Velasquez clearly kept United’s striker onside.

These are the things young players do – like not understanding that every little detail matters, that even the briefest most of “switching off” can cost a match.

More on D.C. United and what the match looked like from the home team’s side later.

Full highlights are here:

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