CL: Gomez PK Propels United To Road Victory

Needing a win to avoid falling completely out of touch in Group B of the CONCACAF Champions League, DC United rode an early Christian Gomez penalty kick to a crucial road victory against Trinidadian side San Juan Jabloteh on Tuesday evening. The result was especially encouraging, considering that DC was missing several regulars through injury or a decision to rest, including Jaime Moreno, Santino Quaranta, Fred and Josh Wicks.


The game's only goal came in the 14th minute after Jabloteh defender Noel Williams was judged by referee Trevor Taylor to have handled a DC cross inside the box. Gomez, the 2006 MLS MVP, stepped up and calmly slotted his effort past goalkeeper Cleon John with a slight hesitation.

Back-up 'keeper Milos Kocic recorded five saves en route to the shutout.

"I thought in the first half we started out the game well and then we lost our shape a little bit and they did a good job to expose us in those spots and they were actually unfortunate not to get one back," said United head coach Tom Soehn. "We adjusted a little bit second half and I thought we closed it up and we won a lot more balls high and created a lot of good opportunities. We’re happy to take the result home, but they had their moments and they’re a good side."

After a jam-packed summer, United now gets a nine-day break to rest up and prepare for their next Champions League fixture. Next Thursday's clash with CD Marathon at RFK Stadium provides DC a chance to get redemption after the Honduran club dropped them by a 3-1 scoreline in the opening game of the Group Stage.