Celtic Dominates DC United with a Convincing 4-0 Victory

Celtic Football Club showcased an impressive performance during their pre-season tour, securing a resounding 4-0 victory against DC United at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The match, held on Saturday, marks a strong start for the team as they continue to build momentum ahead of the new season.

Midfielder Matt O’Riley stole the spotlight by netting two goals within a short span before the halftime break. As the team regrouped for the second half, substitutes Mikey Johnston and James Forrest each contributed to the scoreboard, ensuring a comprehensive win for Celtic.

The match saw the inclusion of young talents such as 17-year-old Colby Donovan and 20-year-old Matthew Anderson, alongside summer signing Viljami Sinisalo, who made his debut with 45 minutes of gameplay. The experience also benefited players like Dane Murray and Bosun Lawal, who gained valuable time on the pitch, along with forward Mikey Johnston.

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in the post-match interview. He emphasized the technical skill and dynamism exhibited by the players, noting that they effectively adapted to the conditions of the pitch, which presented some challenges prior to kickoff.

The Celtic squad further emphasized their commitment to building fitness while maintaining a solid defensive structure, which they believe will enhance their attacking rhythm. Rodgers acknowledged the team’s effort in pressing and their work rate when in possession.

The match unfolded with Celtic applying early pressure, almost producing a stunning finish from Tomoki Iwata, who attempted an overhead volley within the 18-yard box, only to miss the target. Kyogo Furuhashi had a near miss shortly thereafter, as his shot soared over the crossbar in the 17th minute.

Celtic’s first attempt on target arrived in the 20th minute through Luis Palma, who created space from the left and tested goalkeeper Luis Zamudio, who deftly parried the shot away. Just four minutes later, Zamudio showcased his skills again, this time saving a fierce header from Kyogo at close range.

The sustained pressure from Celtic eventually paid off when O’Riley opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a close-range finish after Iwata’s cross was not cleared by the DC United defense. This marked O’Riley’s second goal of the pre-season as he continued to impress.

O’Riley’s second goal came shortly after, doubling Celtic’s advantage in the 32nd minute. Following an initial save by Zamudio from a shot by Kyogo, O’Riley was quick to react, slotting the ball into an unguarded net.

The performance of O’Riley, who captained the side that evening, drew praise from Rodgers, who noted the player’s exceptional attitude and professionalism. Despite ongoing speculation regarding a potential transfer, O’Riley has remained focused and dedicated to his role within the team.

As the first half drew to a close, Celtic denied a chance to extend the lead to 3-0 when Nicolas Kuhn‘s follow-up shot was cleared by Zamudio. Scott Bain, Celtic’s goalkeeper, preserved the clean sheet moments later by stopping a shot from Dominique Badji in the 41st minute.

The second half brought further changes for Celtic as substitutes including Viljami Sinisalo and Mikey Johnston entered the field. This continued theme of rotation was evident when Callum McGregor and other key players joined the action after the hour mark, as Rodgers aimed to give equal opportunities to his entire squad.

In the 65th minute, Johnston increased Celtic’s lead to 3-0 after tapping in a low cross from James Forrest. The latter had brilliantly created space on the right before supplying the ball, allowing Johnston to score easily.

Forrest himself got on the scoresheet in the 70th minute, extending the lead to 4-0. An offensive move initiated by Hyun-Jun Yang led to a swift pass to Forrest, who finished with ease.

Sinisalo would have a relatively quiet second half, facing only one real challenge from a long-range attempt by Mateusz Klich, which he comfortably saved. Johnston nearly added another to his tally but saw his penalty kick saved by Nathan Crockford after Yang was fouled in the area.

As the match concluded, Celtic remained focused on their upcoming pre-season engagements, with notable fixtures scheduled against English Premier League champions Manchester City and Chelsea in the days ahead. Rodgers expressed enthusiasm for these encounters, indicating that they present invaluable opportunities for preparation against top-tier competition.

Overall, the match against DC United highlighted Celtic’s potential as they gear up for the competitive season, with both existing stars and emerging talents stepping up to the challenge. Their performance in Washington serves as a strong statement and a sign of confidence for the fixtures that lie ahead.