The ‘Caps continued their strong start to the season with a 2-2 draw against Canadian rivals Toronto FC at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium on Saturday.
Here are three observations from the match
Dajo en fuego
Cristian Dájome is heating up.
Yes his goal on Saturday came from a penalty kick, but his all-around play was very strong from start to finish. Track back from the end of 2020, through 2021 preseason, and now the first two matches of the season and you can see his performances are no coincidence.
What Dajo seems to be bringing now is an added maturity and leadership to the group. His composure and awareness has been phenomenal.
On the ‘Caps tying goal both he and Lucas Cavalliniwere alert to play a quick restart and create the opportunity in the box.
MLS writers may not be talking up Dajo yet, but they should be.
Ready, set, go
Set pieces.
They have been a great source of joy for the ‘Caps through two matches.
Head coach Marc Dos Santos praised assistant coach Phil Dos Santos and analysts Luke Summers and Drew Foster in week one, and it was another set play that earned a goal in week 2.
Cristián Gutiérrez already has two assists from set plays. Déiber Caicedo forced a great save on a free kick. And Michael Baldisimo is always ready to use his incredible range.
Team mentality
As Andy Rose said after the match, he’s not sure if this was a point that the team would have earned last year.
Going down 1-0 within the first seven minutes, in the heat, the ‘Caps never wilted. In fact they were arguably the better team for most of the remainder of the match.
Yes, they will be ruing the second goal they conceded, when TFC were hardly threatening. But they remained focused, and added what could be a crucial point come the end of the season.
