U.S. Withstand Second Half Surge from Germany, get 4-3 Victory at RFK

U.S. vs Germany, 6/02/2013 - photo credit: Chris Wimmer

By: Chris Wimmer

RKF Stadium was host to another exciting U.S. Men's National Team match this past weekend as part of the U.S. Soccer centennial celebrations. U.S.A. hosted Germany in an international friendly and more than 47,000 fans packed RFK to witness a goal scoring frenzy that saw the USMNT up 2-0 within the first twenty minutes of the match.

Marc-André ter Stegen
photo credit: Chris Wimmer

In what could only be described as a goalkeeper's worst nightmare, German netminder Marc-André ter Stegen allowed an own goal (see it here) on a seemingly simple passback from his defender gifting the Americans a 2-0 lead early in the first half. To make matters worse for Stegen, minutes later Jozy Altidore of the U.S. had possession of the ball at the center circle of the field and flighted a ball over Stegen's head - causing the German keeper to take a tumble while attempting to back peddle in order to make a play. Although the shot by Altidore sailed over the net, the American fans let loose with a loud chorus of boos and jeers directed at Stegen.

VA Soccer News spoke to D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid after the match to get his thoughts on the troubled first half the 21-year-old Marc-André ter Stegen:

Hamid discusses poor start by Stegen

Tim Howard who some may say is the best ever U.S. goalkeeper also spoke to VA Soccer News about the struggles of Stegen and what goalkeepers do to stay in the game mentally:

Howard on Stegen

Germany came out swinging to begin the second half and quickly cut the American lead to 2-1 but U.S. superstar and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder (12 goals/43 appearances) Clint Dempsey struck with a vengeance, scoring two goals just five minutes apart (60', 65'). The Dempsey brace put the USMNT up 4-1 and RFK was louder than it had been in at least a decade as the American supporters began chanting wildly and had the temporary stands bouncing up-and-down.

A three goal lead, at home, against a not-so-full strength German club, in the second half of play should have been all that was needed to put the game away but the U.S. players seemingly checked out mentally and allowed the Germans to claw their way back to within one goal, 4-3.

The final 10-15 minutes saw Klinsman's squad struggling to hold on for the win, which they did, despite exposing the porous back line yet again. Maybe the U.S. should follow in the footsteps of American Football and hire a Defensive Coordinator to help shore up the suspect defense...just an idea.



Overall the international friendly surely pleased the mostly American contingent of fans with the amount of goals scored, drama, and patriotism that where all in full bloom to kick off the summer and celebrate the first 100 years of U.S. Soccer. Oh, and RFK had what may be one of it's final shining moments as host of another great sporting event.

photo credit: Chris Wimmer

United Goalkeeper Hamid get USMNT Call from Klinsmann

D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid will be returning to the USMNT after being called to the 26 player roster by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.


CHICAGO (May 16, 2013) - U.S. Men's National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has called in 26 players to begin training camp in Cleveland in advance of the five-game stretch in May and June that includes three FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the Centennial Celebration Match against Germany. A total of 29 players will participate, including four MLS goalkeepers that will rotate through camp. 

Virginia native Bill Hamid named MLS Player of the Week

Annandale, VA native Bill Hamid was voted MLS Player of the Week following his shutout of the New York Red Bulls this past weekend. Hamid is a product of Premier Athletics Club. 

Washington, D.C. (March 18, 2013) – D.C. United announced today that goalkeeper Bill Hamid was selected by the North American Soccer Reporters as MLS Player of the Week. Hamid earned the honors after a strong performance and second straight shutout against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. Hamid was tested often and helped preserve the shutout with an impressive seven saves.

Hamid’s final save of the game came during stoppage time as he cleared a Brandon Barklage shot off the line with a last-ditch effort to preserve the clean sheet. Hamid, who won Major League Soccer’s Save of the Week in week one, is also leading the League in shutouts (two) and saves (13).

READ/WATCH: A closer look at Hamid’s impressive day

The Major League Soccer Player of the Week is selected each week of the MLS regular season by a panel of journalists from The North American Soccer Reporters (NASR). The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.

D.C. United returns to action on Saturday and will look to extend its home undefeated streak to 20 games over the 2012 and 2013 Major League Soccer campaigns.

VIDEO: D.C. United Academy Profile

D.C. United has lead the way in Major League Soccer with regards to success of their youth academy. Four players have gone from the D.C. United Youth Academy to eventually signing first team deals with the club. Bill Hamid (GK, 2009), Andy Najar (2010), Conor Shanosky (2010), and Ethan White (2012) have all worked their way to the first team.

Hamid has spent time with the USMNT earning his first CAP in 2012 and Najar transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht of the Belgiun league during this past off-season.

Check out the video below to learn more about the D.C. United Youth Academy:

U.S. MNT start 2013 with scoreless draw against Canada

U.S. MNT KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL YEAR WITH SCORELESS DRAW
AGAINST CANADA AT BBVA COMPASS STADIUM IN HOUSTON

• Five U.S. Players Earn First Caps, Including Three of Four Starting Defenders
• USA Extends Unbeaten Streak to 16 Games Against Canada (8-0-8)
• U.S. MNT Opens Final Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Feb. 6 Against Honduras in San Pedro Sula (3 p.m. CT Kickoff; Live Broadcast on beIN SPORT) 

HOUSTON (Jan. 29, 2013) - A young U.S. Men's National Team controlled the majority of the match against Canada but couldn't find the back of the net in a scoreless draw this evening at BBVA Compass Stadium in the first match of 2013. 

United Goalkeeper Hamid called to U.S. Men's National Team camp

Bill Hamid called up to U.S. Men’s National Team for January camp and a friendly

Squad will face Canada on Jan. 29 in Houston, TX at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that Homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid has been called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for training camp and a Jan. 29 friendly against Canada in Houston, TX at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The match, occurring at the end of the annual January camp, will open the team’s 2013 campaign and is the only game prior to the start of the Hexagonal Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

D.C. United player appearances: October 9 – October 13

Washington, D.C. (October 9, 2012) – D.C. United will continue its community outreach in the Metro Area this week with appearances by first team members in Falls Church, Va., Bethesda, Md., Rockville, Md., Prince Frederick, Md., and Baltimore, Md., all at local soccer trainings, clinics, and tournaments.

Player(s):      Bill Hamid, Chris Korb, Perry Kitchen and Lewis Neal
What:           VYS U14 Training
When:           Tuesday, Oct. 9; 5:30-7 p.m.
Where:          Marshall High School
                        7731 Leesburg Pike
                        Falls Church

Player(s):      Chris Pontius
What:           Walt Whitman vs. Walter Johnson Soccer Game
When:           Wednesday, October 10; 6-8 p.m.
Where:          Walt Whitman High School
                        7100 Whittier Blvd.
                        Bethesda, MD

Player(s):      Joe Willis, Marcelo Saragosa, Andrew Dykstra, Stephen King, Lewis Neal and Perry Kitchen
What:           MSI Coaches Award Clinic
When:           Wednesday, October 10; 4:45-6:15 p.m.
Where:          Montgomery College    
                        51 Mannakee St.
                        Rockville, MD 20850

Player(s):      Long Tan
What:           Calvert SA Rec Tournament
When:           Saturday, October 13; 1-2:30 p.m.
Where:          Hallowing Point Park
                4755 Hallowing Point Rd.
                Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678

Player(s):      Lance Rozeboom
What:           Baltimore Soccer League 
When:           Saturday, October 13; 9:30-11 a.m.
Where:          Clifton Park
                Baltimore, MD 

Player(s):      Andrew Dykstra
What:           Overlea Soccer Club
When:           Saturday, October 13; 10-11:30 a.m.
Where:          7654 Lillian Holt Dr.
                       Baltimore, MD

Pontius to join teammate Hamid on USMNT roster

Add yet another D.C. United player to the growing list of the members of the Black and Red that have been called into action for their national teams.

U.S. Soccer announced today that D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius has been called-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for two friendly matches against Costa Rica and Belgium. Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad will host Costa Rica at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on Sept. 2 and will then travel to Brussels to face Belgium on Sept. 6.
  

photo property of D.C. United


This selection marks Pontius’ second experience with the U.S. Men’s National Team, as he was called-up for a ten-day training camp in February of 2010 in preparation for a friendly match against El Salvador. Following the camp, the United midfielder was selected to the preliminary 20-player roster, though he was not included in the final 18-man game day roster. 

Pontius is having a career year in 2011, as the California native has scored seven goals in 24 MLS matches (all starts). The midfielder also has two assists to his name. Following a tumultuous 2010 campaign, in which he missed much of the season with a hamstring injury, the 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist has been one of United’s top performers this term. Pontius was selected by the Black-and-Red with the seventh overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. He went on to play in 28 MLS matches (23 starts) during his rookie season, scoring four goals to accompany three assists.

Pontius will be joining fellow United player Bill Hamid on the U.S. roster for the September games.

Hamid gets called to return to USMNT

D.C. United goalkeeper and academy product Bill Hamid has received his second national team call up. This follows the recent news of fellow D.C. United teammates Dwayne De Rosario and Dejan Jakovic getting called to represent Canada in World Cup qualifying and former MLS Rookie of the Year award winner Andy Najar recieving his first national team call up to represent Hondurus.

U.S. Soccer announced today that United goalkeeper Bill Hamid has been called-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for two friendly matches against Costa Rica and Belgium. Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad will host Costa Rica at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on September 2 and will then travel to Brussels to face Belgium on September 6.

Bill Hamid was recently called-up by the U.S. Men’s National Team for the friendly match against Mexico on August 10, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. Although he did not take part in the match, Hamid was able to gain valuable experience training alongside veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard.

In his second full season with D.C. United, Hamid has been the first-choice goalkeeper since recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. To date, he has played in 19 games (all starts) and put together a record of 5-4-8 to go along with six shutouts. In 2010, Hamid became the youngest goalkeeper in MLS history to win a League contest on May 5 against Kansas City in a 2-1 victory at RFK Stadium, beating the previous record held by former New York netminder - and fellow U.S. Men’s National Team call-up - Tim Howard. He put together a record of 3-5 in eight games for the Black-and-Red, posting one shutout and 20 saves en route to a 1.25 goals-against average mark. Hamid made United history on 9/2/09, when he became the first D.C. United Academy player to sign with the first team. As the first player to come up through the club’s youth system, Hamid was only available for non-League games during the 2009 season and did not see any playing time.

In Philadelphia following the U.S. vs. Mexico friendly Howard told VASoccerNews:

"Bill reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger." That is quite a compliment coming from the reigning number one net minder for the USMNT.

Hamid also has experience at the youth national team levels, having spent time with the U.S. U-18 and U-20 sides. In 2008, he traveled to Portugal with the U-20s to play in the Campos Verdes International Tournament and to Mexico for Copa Chivas.

D.C. United routs Whitecaps 4-0 in first ever match-up

D.C. United vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8/13/2011)

On Saturday evening in front of a very small crowd at R.F.K. Stadium D.C. United took on Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the first match-up between the two MLS clubs.

For United it was a decidedly different look on the field and the sidelines as Head Coach Ben Olsen and recent USMNT call up and current United starting Goalkeeper Bill Hamid where both out due to Red Card suspensions.

In place for Hamid was University of Denver product Joe Willis who got his first career start in goal over Steve Cronin. On the other side of the field USMNT World Cup veteran and Whitecaps player Jay DeMerit (capt.) got his first start coming back from injury.

Starting Lineups:

DCU-Willis; Kitchen, Jakovic, McDonald, Woolard; Najar, Simms, Quaranta, Pontius; De Rosario, Davies
Vancouver-Nolly; Harvey, DeMerit, Boxall, Leathers; Salinas, Vagenas, Koffie, Thorrington; Camilo, Hassli

The first half saw few shots or opportunities for both teams after D.C. controlled the first 15 min. of the match. The game got noticeably more physical near the 30^th minute and eventually Vancouver earned a free kick just outside of the box. The ensuing kick went off the top post and bounced around dangerously until rookie keeper Willis was able to pounce on it inside the 6 yard box.

D.C. UNITED GOALKEEPER JOE WILLIS
On his game-changing save during Vancouver’s first half free kick:

"On the free kick the wall was setup nicely. [Vancouver] had one guy on the inside of the wall, and I had Clyde [Simms] set things up for me. They hit a nice free kick, but I was able to get a hand to it."

In the waning minutes of the first half Chris Pontius scored the first goal of the match for the Black and Red with a sliding goal after the cross from Dwayne De Rosario deflected off Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly (former United player, 2007). The first half ended just seconds later giving United a big lift heading into the locker room.

The second half saw D.C. pick up where they left of when Andy Najar made a run all the way to the end line before taking a shot that the keeper allowed to go through his legs giving D.C. United a second goal for a 2-0 lead. Later on in the second half Charlie Davies, who had struggled all match to get things going on offense, received a yellow card after going down and complaining about not receiving the call. In the 63rd minute Chad Ashton filling in for the missing Olsen would call on his first sub for United as he brought on Steven King for Santino Quaranta.

De Rosario who was working hard as usual has shot go off post, gets the rebound and skies follow up shot. Pontius, King, and De Rosario on the attack - King shoots the rebound lands to Pontius who puts it away for his second of the match and a 3-0 lead at the 70^th minute. With the game securely in hand and up 3-0 United continued to pour it on and King would eventually find the back of the net for the final goal of the match (first of the season for King) that saw United pick up 3 points at home in clearly their best performance at R.F.K. this season.

D.C. UNITED ASSISTANT COACH CHAD ASHTON

Overall thoughts on the game:
Big [relief], it feels like it’s been a long time coming. I don’t remember the last time we had a game like that. It was good; I think we have been knocking on the door for a performance like that for a while, and to put it all together is a good feeling. Hopefully we can realize the things we did well and use them going forward.

The best performers of the game for D.C. where Joe Willis who was named player of the match as well as Pontious and De Rosario who both controlled the play on offense for the Black and Red.

With the win United sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference just 7 points behind the first place Columbus Crew. United will play on the road next against the Chicago Fire August 18th.

VASoccerNews heads to Philly for US vs Mexico Friendly

The USMNT will be meeting Mexico tonight at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. for the first time since their 2011 Gold Cup Final in Pasadena, CA. and VASoccerNews will be there covering the game live from the press box.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter: @VASoccerNews as we provide live updates as well as behind the scenes tidbits of the action in Philly. There are plenty of story lines heading into this usually heated rivalry between the two CONCACAF clubs including new U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann, the return of former D.C. United player Freddy Adu, and the first call up for current D.C. United starting goalkeeper Bill Hamid.

You can watch the game live on ESPN2, ESPN3.com, and Univision.

D.C. United Academy Product gets First USMNT Call Up

On Wednesday August 10 in Philadelphia the USMNT will look to avenge their 4-2 Gold Cup loss to bitter rival Mexico. Joining the U.S. men for the first time will be Virginia native and D.C. United Academy product Bill Hamid.

Hamid was born in Annandale, VA and became the first United Academy player to sign with the first team back in September 2009. Since then Hamid has cemented his position as the starting keeper for D.C. and his play in net has gotten the attention of newly appointed USMNT Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann earning Hamid his first ever call up.

Looking to learn from world class net minder and U.S. veteran Tim Howard, Bill Hamid will also be hoping to someday follow in the footsteps of Howard to become the next goalkeeping prodigy developed within the U.S. system which is notorious for producing some of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Virginia Online Soccer News will be traveling to Philadelphia to cover the U.S. vs Mexico game and will be looking to catch up with the D.C. United starter to gain some insights from his experience with the national team.

You can follow @VASoccerNews on Twitter for live updates of the game Wednesday night.




Congratulations to Bill Hamid on representing Virginia and D.C. United and making all of his fans so proud of him.

Tickets for U.S. vs. Mexico in Philly Aug. 10

-Updated (8/10)- Virginia Players to attend National I.D. Camps

*Update - James (Max) Edwards was also at the U-14 camp bringing the total number of Virginia players to 9 from the previously reported 8. Edwards plays for PWSI.

Recently players from Virginia have been making quite a name for themselves on the natianal soccer scene with Ali Krieger gaining much deserved attention during the Women's World Cup and the news yesterday that D.C. United Academy talent Bill Hamid has been named to the USMNT roster for the August 10th match against rivals Mexico.

Looking to follow in their footsteps eight players have been identified through Virginia ODP to attend U.S. National Team I.D. Camps.

Virginia will have eight representatives at this year’s US National Team U-14 training camps. Three at the Girls’ National Team I.D. Camp held in Portland, Oregon and five Boys’ National Team I. D. Camp in Cason, California.

Goalkeeper Katelyn Jensen (McLean FC; Brambleton, Va.), midfielder Madeline McCracken (Central Virginia United; Lynch Station, Va.), and forward Caroline Kerns (PWSI; Reston, Va.) are attending the camp, which runs from July 31 through August 7. The camp features 72 of the most talented female players in the country who were born in 1997 or 1998 and is run by U.S. Soccer Women’s Development Director Jill Ellis. These players will be evaluated for a 36-player U-14 Girls’ National Team training camp later this fall and will form the core of the 2012 U-15 Girls’ National Team player pool.

Goalkeeper Drew Romig (Richmond Kickers; Midlothian, Va.), defenders Cole Spofford (VSA Heat; Broad Run, Va.) and Trey Vinson (PWSI Courage; Manassas, Va.), and midfielders Kevin Coleman (FC Richmond; Warreneton, Va.), and Brandon Williamson (D.C. United; Gainesville, Va.) are attending the camp, which runs from July 31 through August 6. The 80 players, under the direction of U-14 BNT head coach Manny Schellscheidt, will train together twice daily at the National Training Center. U.S. Soccer technical advisors and the national scouting network select the players for the identification camp.

These players were identified for these National team camps through US Youth Soccer ODP. US Youth Soccer ODP is divided into four regions with Virginia being in Region I. Virginia ODP is also divided into five districts – Central, Northern, Southeastern, West-Central and Western. Last year, 75 players (boys and girls) were named to Region I ODP squads.

For more information please visit http://www.vysa.com/ or call 540-693-1430.

Vote for Bill Hamid MLS Save of the Week

Vote for Bill Hamid to win: MLS Save of the Week

Will DC United be able to keep their 2 home grown talented players, Andy Nadar and Bill Hamid?

By Chris Wimmer 

After watching DC United vs. LA Galaxy last night on Fox Soccer Channel and seeing the amazing play of 17 year old Andy Najar against arguably the best team currently in the MLS the LA Galaxy  and hearing Curt Onalfo say that Najar is probably the best player on DC United, I started to worry. By the way,did you see his effort in winning that header for a goal?, he is only 5'7" tall.

Thats right I was worried. My concern is regarding the ability of DC United to keep their very own young talent. United have two young talents in Andy Najar and Bill Hamid. Both from the DC/MD/VA area and both players come directly from within the DC United Acadamy program.

Most teams in any sport would be lucky to have two young talented players on their roster but for those of you who follow MLS you are well aware of how often young talent is taken away by European clubs with much bigger names and payrolls.

(Image property of DC United.com)

I just hope the management at DC United can figure out a way to sign both these homegrown talents to long term deals and build a team and a strong local following around them.

The first step might need to be bringing in a Top-Tier coach, i.e. Bob Bradley!