D.C. United provided fans with the gift of goals and plenty of them throughout the 2016 season. After limited goals in the first half of the season, the Black-and-Red stormed through their remaining games scoring 36 goals in the final 16 games and stringing together a club record nine consecutive multi-goal games. Take a look at some particularly special goals from the season.
WINNER | Luciano Acosta v. New England Revolution | April 23
Luciano Acosta’s confidence to attempt the spectacular was rewarded with a goal of the season nomination after he scored a crafty chip against New England in April. The 22-year-old caught goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth in no man’s land and punished him with a chip from the edge of the box. The goal showed fans just how ingenious Acosta is and was a perfect display of how threatening the Argentine is in the attacking third.
Lamar Neagle v. New England Revolution | June 25
D.C. United’s golden boot winner, Lamar Neagle, scored some memorable goals in 2016, none more impressive than his volley to open the scoring in the 2-0 win against New England in June. Luciano Acosta played a perfectly placed ball to Neagle at the back post, who set his feet and buried the volley into the left corner.
Taylor Kemp v. Philadelphia Union | Aug. 13
The Black-and-Red’s reliable left back, Taylor Kemp, doesn’t score many but when he does they’re normally quite the spectacle. Kemp decided to take on the Philadelphia Union defense and after beating one defender with some nifty footwork, the former Maryland Terrapin fired in a low shot across Andre Blake into the left corner.
Lloyd Sam v. Columbus Crew SC | Sept. 28
D.C. United winger Lloyd Sam was an ever-present part of the revamped Black-and-Red attack. His creativity and ability to go at defenders made him a consistent threat and Sam quickly established himself as a leading chance creator for the Black-and-Red. His goalscoring prowess was also notable and his dazzling finish against Columbus showed Sam performing at the peak of his abilities. Acosta played a beautiful ball into Sam, who had his back to goal. The winger then used his strength and balance to ward off a defender then turned and quickly shot it into the far right corner.
