WESTMINSTER, CO - The D.C. United Reserves earned a 3-2 decision over the Colorado Rapids Reserves on Sunday, September 4 in a match played at the Rapids training facility in Westminster, Colorado. United's Jamil Walker notched all three goals, in leading D.C. to the victory. The win moves the Black-and-Red (6-4, 18 pts.) into a first place tie with the Chicago Fire Reserves (5-2-3, 18 pts.), who tied the LA Galaxy Reserves on Saturday, 2-2.
The Rapids, who had come back from a 2-0 deficit, gave up the winning goal in the 76th minute as DC United's Jamil Walker completed his hat trick. United built their first half lead with Walker goals in the 2nd and 26th minutes. John Wilson's free kick in the second minute of the match was redirected by Walker and into the back of goalkeeper Byron Foss's net for the first goal of the day. United regained possession of the ball in the heart of the field in the 26th minute, unfolding a quick breakaway. A through pass from Nana Kuffour left Walker alone in front of Foss in a one-on-one situation. Walker beat the Rapids' net-minder for the second time on the day with a well-placed low shot.</p>
The Rapids cut the lead in half at the half-hour mark when Sasha Gotsmanov's pass went to guest player Lance Snodgrass, who shot and beat United's goalkeeper Troy Perkins to the goalie's left just at the top of the penalty area. Gotsmanov tied the game for the home team in the 68th minute with a shot that beat Perkins. Wolde Harris found Gotsmanov inside of the penalty area with an accurate pass on a quick play. Gotsmanov's shot was partially blocked by Perkins but still found its way over the goal line for the Rapids' second goal of the day.</p>
In the 76th minute, Perkins punted a long ball forward where he found the onrushing Walker deep in Rapids territory. The D.C. striker dribbled the ball into the box then unleashed a shot that curled just inside the post of Foss's goal to give the visiting team the three points on the road.</p>
Three yellow cards were handed out and each team made two substitutions during the MLS reserve division match.</p>
LINEUPS
COL - Bryon Foss, Ricky Lewis, Jeremy Aldrich (Dan Gargan 58), Stephen Keel, Josh Elbaum, Marcus Sagastume, Amir Lowery, Fabrice Noel, Lance Snodgrass (David Ben-Dayan 58), Wolde Harris, Sasha Gotsmanov.
Substitutes not used: Bouna Coundoul
DC - Troy Perkins, Josh Rife, Tim Merritt (Ian Rodway 46), John Wilson, Nick Van Sicklen, Clyde Simms, Jason Thompson, Nana Kuffour (Jacob Coggins 58), Shawn Kuykendall, Jamil Walker, Matt Nickell.
Substitutes not used: Andrew Weber
SCORING SUMMARY
DC - Walker (Wilson) 2, Walker (Kuffour) 26, Walker (Perkins) 76
COL - Snodgrass (Gotsmanov) 30, Gotsmanov (Harris) 68
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
DC - Van Sicklen (Caution) 28, COL - Lowery (Caution) 33, DC - Coggins (Caution) 69
