D.C. United played their first preseason game under new coach Hernan Losada on Saturday, battling USL League One side Greenville Triumph to a 1-1 draw at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
The Black & Red’s goal came through forward Kimarni Smith, the No. 4 overall selection in the 2021 SuperDraft who previously starred at Clemson University. Smith equalized at 1-1 in the 29th minute, nodding home a cross from Homegrown midfielder Griffin Yow.
Kimarni’s first goal in ⚫️ & ? pic.twitter.com/xGpsXxB7pw
— D.C. United (@dcunited) March 20, 2021
Greenville, who are led by former D.C. United midfielder John Harkes, took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. D.C. also nearly went ahead through Adrien Perez in the 62nd minute after a Julian Gressel cross, but the former LAFC forward’s attempt was called offside.
Brought a little gift for @johnharkes6!
Forever a D.C. legend ? pic.twitter.com/oOdWfh41pB
— D.C. United (@dcunited) March 20, 2021
As it stands, D.C. are scheduled to play four more preseason games before opening their 2021 MLS season on April 17 at home against New York City FC.
Goals
- 27’ – GVL
- 29’ – DC – Kimarni Smith
Lineups
D.C. United, first period: Academy player – Michael DeShields, Trialist #1, Trialist #2 – Griffin Yow, Trialist #3, Junior Moreno, Kimarni Smith – Yordy Reyna, Edison Flores, Ola Kamara
D.C. United, second period: Chris Seitz – Donovan Pines, Frederic Brillant, Brendan Hines-Ike – Joseph Mora, Moses Nyeman, Russell Canouse, Julian Gressel – Adrien Perez, Erik Sorga, Yamil Asad