BRADENTON, Fla. — After a winter of upgrades and changes at every position, one question will badger D.C. United right up to the opener in three weeks and surely into the spring: Who will score the goals?
United is firm in its belief that newcomer Darren Mattocks, known more for inciting opportunities with his speed than finishing them, is a big part of the solution. And in the preseason opener Thursday, Mattocks redeemed himself after two misses shortly after halftime by scoring in the 56th minute of a 2-1 loss to Swedish champion Malmo at IMG Academy.
Playing as the lone striker in a midfield-heavy formation, the former Vancouver and Portland forward squandered setups by substitute Bruno Miranda four minutes apart before collecting Zoltan Stieber’s pass and placing a 16-yard shot into the low, far corner.