D.C. United needed a win in the worst way. It only made sense that it was Lionard Pajoy who gave them the lift they needed.
Philadelphia Union Vs. DC United, 2012 MLS: Lionard Pajoy Haunts Former Team
The Colombian forward scored in the 67th to lift United to a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union on Thursday. Pajoy was traded from the Union to United on Aug. 16 in exchange for Danny Cruz, who also played in this game.
Although Pajoy gets credit for the goal, the real hard work was done by Maicon Santos and Chris Pontius. Santos sent in a wonderful pass from behind midfield to Pontius, who was streaking down the right sideline. Pontius was able to fight off the tack of Gabriel Farfan, regained his footing and then lofted a perfect cross to Pajoy in the middle of the penalty area. Pajoy had enough time to chest the ball down, settle it and then fire a shot from about 10 yards out that easily beat goalkeeper Zac MacMath and the two defenders on the goal-line.
United leapfrogged into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of the Columbus Crew and one ahead of the Houston Dynamo. All three teams are currently on 29 games played.
United faces a particularly tough road as they just lost playmaker and reigning MVP Dwayne DeRosario. Beating teams toward the bottom of the table, even on the road, clearly is a positive step. This was their first road win since June.
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