Strachan's Bhoys "Blown Off the Pitch" by Adu & United
(Goal.com) - Celtic FC endured their third straight pre-season defeat, this one coming 4-0 at the hands of MLS leaders DC United Wednesday night at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.
"They blew us off the pitch with their energy," said Strachan after the match. "Especially in the second half. As the game went on, (our) players felt less energy. That is disappointing."
United, in mid-season form and with only one loss in 18 league matches, ran riot past the reigning Scottish Premier League Champions. Freddy Adu dazzled for one hour, scoring the opening goal just before halftime before getting a deserved break. Reserve striker Jamil Walker scored the second United goal in the 57th minute.
Celtic FC struggled with the humidity and with their lack of fitness, with only Scottish player of the year Sean Maloney appearing equal to the task.
"It was the lethargy, really," explained Strachan of his team's dreadful performance. "If you're lethargic, you'll give chances away. If you cure that, then the other things will be cured. We need to work on the lethargy problem."
Celtic's night went from bad to worse when new signing from Wolves, Kenny Miller, was sent off for a malicious scissor tackle on United defender John Wilson in th 66th minute. United defender Bobby Boswell headed home the resulting free kick.
"We're all frustrated, you have to be able to handle it. Kenny has to accept whatever comes his way," said Strachan of Miller's impropriety.
Enjoying the man advantage, United's entire reserve team closed out the match in style. Andy Metcalf collected a back heel from Matt Nickell before beating David Marshall at his back post.
For more soccer news visit Goal.com
Comments
D.C. United is amazing.
Posted by: Mike | July 13, 2006 10:01 PM
Celtic should feel soo embarrased! im embarrased for them! losing to an MLS team is ridiculous! especially after coming out on top in the Scottish League. ridiculous but even more pathetic
Posted by: dont worry bout it | July 14, 2006 03:15 AM
the celtics are terrible. DC played great and deserved to win. and about losing to a MLS team, its not ridiculous. when have as good or better teams than and scottish team. and we proved that against the celtics. not just a win, but a huge win, 4-0.
go DC
Posted by: luke | July 14, 2006 11:58 AM
It's great to see MLS teams playing and beating club teams from europe. Looks like we have raised our club standards to the next level and we took the Scots by surprise!
Posted by: KJ | July 14, 2006 02:43 PM
Celtic were missing several key players, but then again so were DC, and United came out and took it to them. A good result and not all that surprising really.
Celtic are a very established club and would certainly be tougher to beat with their full squad and when they are in season (DC are in full swing whereas the Scottish side are in preseason). However, some might have an inflated opinion of the SPL. There are quality players, but it is not particularly a top league. Good MLS teams would be expected to be competitive with SPL teams to be honest.
Posted by: Heath Young | July 14, 2006 02:57 PM
what most MLS teams need is more influence with foreign players (europeans & south americans mostly). The young eager talent that the US is raising needs to excell in all aspects of the game,playing with experienced and different style players can raise the stakes. Look at all the players in the US playing in Europe( what a difference it has made). And besides that's another way to start packing the seats,believe it or not playing in front of a nice crowd may spark your game.
Posted by: Tony p | July 15, 2006 08:41 PM
I am frevoer indebted to you for this information.
Posted by: Dolly | January 6, 2012 09:42 AM