D.C. United's 'goalazo' electrifies Audi Field in season opener originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
D.C. United kicked off their first action of the 2021 season (and their return to NBC Sports Washington) with a bang. Newcomer Brendan Hines-Ike delivered a beautiful goalazo -- the full definition of the term -- late in the 39th minute of the first half of their season opener against New York City FC.
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What a strike from distance for the first goal of the season.
Here's another look off the in-stride right boot from the field level.
The ball got swung around the pitch with the set-up pass from Júnior Moreno, who got an assist on the goal. Hines-Ike -- in his MLS debut -- stepped forward and drilled a rocket to the right edge of the net. The pace was too much for NYC FC's diving Sean Johnson.
Perhaps the goal of the year? It's at least in the mix early.
Moments later, United was at it again. The clubs had shared possession for most of the half, until the final minutes. D.C. got its second tally of the evening by Russell Canouse off of a corner kick.
The club's top midfielder took the corner from Julian Gressel in the 44th minute to give United the 2-1 edge just before the break.
Last season, many of D.C.'s issues were a complete inability to take advantage of opportunities. Already under new coach Hernán Losada, that may soon be behind them.
