FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Chad Ashton took heat this past week for bailing on the U.S. Open Cup in order to better position D.C. United for three regular season matches in quick succession. The first of those games — and the first chance to judge that decision — came on a stormy Saturday night against Inter Miami.
Close to full strength, United showed alarming deficiencies in conceding two first-half goals. But with Taxi Fountas leading the way, the visitors rallied for a 2-2 draw in a match that started 69 minutes late because of a severe thunderstorm.
A week after a sterling defensive performance against Houston, United (4-5-1) sprung leaks in conceding goals 14 minutes apart.