D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen made two substitutions at halftime of the Black-and-Red’s game against the Chicago Fire after heading into halftime down 2-1.
Chris Korb subbed in for Samuel Inkoom, pushing Sean Franklin to right midfield as Korb took the right back spot, and Chris Pontius replaced Michael Seaton, partnering with Luis Silva up top.
Korb last went 90 in D.C. United’s 3-0 loss at Real Salt Lake on Aug. 9, injuring his hamstring on the last play of the game.
“I was a little bit rusty there at the beginning, but other than that, it was nice to get touches,” Korb said after Saturday’s 3-3 draw.
The first half seemed to get away from United, but the visitors took control of the second. Olsen complimented both Korb and Pontius for bringing energy to the game, something both players credited to itching to get back on the field.
“It was my first game, that played into it as well,” Korb said. “I was excited to get out there and try to get some points out of a bad situation.”
Pontius, who logged eight minutes in a 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 10 and 23 minutes against Waterhouse FC in CONCACAF Champions League on Sept 16, came out flying for 45 minutes against Chicago.
“I just feel there’s urgency from me anytime I’m stepping on the field, I’m looking to prove myself in any minutes I get whether its 8 or 45,” said Pontius. “Tonight, I had a bit more time to make an impact on the game.”
Always looking to improve, urgency simply wasn’t enough. The veteran midfielder immediately reflected on specifics he can improve upon next game.
“I have to be a bit more patient with my decisions on the ball, but I was just trying to come in and give us a spark off the bench if anything,” Pontius said.
Now, the squad returns home for two straight weeks, a welcomed change of pace.
“It’s been tough because the last couple of weeks, I was ready to practice, but there wasn’t really anyone around,” Korb said. “It’s nice to have everyone back, and I think we’ll enjoy being home.”
It’s been said before, but its significance can’t be understated. Both Chris Korb’s and Chris Pontius’ return to full strength are perfectly timed.
“We will try to wrap up Champions League on Wednesday, then get big points against Philly and then KC’s the biggest game of the regular season,” said Korb. “And, it’s always nice to get home and play in front of our home crowd.”
Come out and support the Black-and-Red at RFK! Buy your tickets for Sept. 27 against the Philadelphia Union here, and your tickets for Oct. 3 against Sporting Kansas City here.
