RICHMOND, Va. - Wednesday night's friendly with the Richmond Kickers was cut short by lightning after just 20 minutes of play at University of Richmond Stadium. Rain began falling soon after kickoff and didn't let up as a thunderstorm swept through the Richmond area.
In the first minutes of the game, both teams traded early clearances as they tried to find pace and rhythm in the downpour. The Kickers had three early shots on goal, but none tested D.C.'s starting goalkeeper, Nick Rimando. United's best chance came in the 10th minute when Freddy Adu's attempt from 25 yards flew well over the bar.
Richmond had the best chance to score in the shortened game, when Chris Carrieri was sent through the left side of D.C.'s defense in the 16th minute and hit a rocket from 18 yards that required a diving, one-handed save from Rimando. Shortly thereafter, the referees suspended the game and after lightning persisted made the decision to cancel the match.
Donnet's debut
United's newest signing, Matias Donnet, made his debut behind the D.C. badge Wednesday, starting at right midfield. The 26-year old, who most recently was with Boca Juniors of Argentina, connected several passes and made a number of slicing runs through the Richmond defense.
United ties
Two former members of D.C. United were in the starting lineup for Richmond on Wednesday. Forward Mike Burke spent two season in D.C. (2000, 2001), while defender Ray Goodlett spent part of the 2000 with the Black-and-Red.
Captain Olsen
With Jaime Moreno on the bench to start the game, Ben Olsen was handed the captain's armband by head coach Peter Nowak. The 29-year-old has long been considered the heart and soul of the Black-and-Red and represented the U.S. at the World Cup in Germany this summer.
Wednesday's starting lineups
D.C. United: Nick Rimando, Facundo Erpen, Bobby Boswell, Bryan Namoff, Josh Gros; Brian Carroll, Ben Olsen - C, Christian Gomez, Matias Donnet; Freddy Adu, Jamil Walker
Richmond Kickers: Ronnie Pascale; Tony Williams, Kelvin Jones, Ray Goodlett, Trevor McEachron, Kevin Knight, Sasha Gorres, Matt Watson; Chris Carrieri, Robert Ssejjemba, Mike Burke.
