Last season, Lucho Acosta was a chance creation machine. He averaged two per game and picked up an assist every other game. For perspective, that’s Ilsinho’s pace this season, but over nearly 3000 minutes (the Brazilian is a shade under 750 minutes in 2019).
There is still a player with Acosta’s name on the jersey, but he produces far more exasperated gestures than assists now.
And DC United’s attack has suffered as a result. Ten fewer goals than Philadelphia, DC has added Angelo Rodriguez, another hugely talented (if also diminutive) Argentine attacker, and somehow lost their focus.