Latest news with #Benteke
Toronto Star
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Toronto FC defender Nicksoen Gomis out for the season after Achilles surgery
TORONTO - There was more bad news on the injury front for Toronto FC on Friday with word that defender Nicksoen Gomis is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair his Achilles tendon. Gomis went under the knife Tuesday. The 23-year-old Frenchman had to be helped off the field Saturday. He was unable to put weight on his left leg after going down in the 63rd minute in the Toronto penalty box with a non-contact injury in the 2-0 loss to the visiting New England Revolution. 'It's a big loss for us,' said coach Robin Fraser. 'He does so many things well. And as a young centre back, he's only going to get better. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'I would say with the way medicine is these days, I have zero worries for his future,' he added. 'We will obviously just miss him now.' Toronto (1-6-4) continues its search for a first home win of the season when D.C. United (3-5-3) visits Saturday. Gomis joins an injury list that includes captain Jonathan Osorio, defender Richie Laryea, midfielder Markus Cimermancic and forward Deandre Kerr. 'We obviously are still missing a few guys but it feels a lot better at the moment than it has for probably a couple of weeks,' sad Fraser. Defender Zane Monlouis, midfielder/forward Derrick Etienne Jr. and backup goalkeeper Luka Gavran are all available again. Defender Henry Wingo, meanwhile, appears to be getting closer to a return. Veteran defender Kevin Long, who sat out Saturday's loss to New England, is also ready — good news with D.C. United star striker Christian Benteke coming to town. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The six-foot-three Belgian is perhaps the most dangerous aerial threat in Major League Soccer. 'Benteke is just a beast in the (penalty) box,' said Fraser, a former two-time MLS Defender of the Year. After going unbeaten in its first four games (1-0-3) of the season, which included a 2-2 draw with visiting Toronto in the season opener, D.C. lost four straight during which it was outscored 14-2. But the team seems to have found its footing of late, winning three of its last four (3-1-0) in all competitions. D.C. United goes into weekend play in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, two places and five points ahead of Toronto. The club is coming off a 2-0 win over the Charleston Battery in U.S. Open Cup action Tuesday. 'It feels good,' said former Toronto midfielder Brandon Servania. 'Obviously there's momentum behind us, three out of four.' Benteke, the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner, leads the D.C. attack. Benteke's 23 goals last season accounted for 44.23 per cent of his club's goals in 2024 in tying Raúl Díaz Arce's franchise single-season goals record. Benteke has six goals this season upping his career MLS total to 44 in 78 games. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The 34-year-old needs just one goal to tie Christian Gomez (45 goals in 124 matches) for the second most in club history. Jamie Moreno had the franchise record, scoring 131 of his 133 career goals across 329 games with the squad. 'I would say that's a massive moment because it just shows Christian's availability over the course of his time here,' said D.C. coach Troy Lesesne of Benteke. 'He's always available for us. 'When he's available he usually steps out on the field and creates chances and goals. And so he's fulfilling his responsibility to the club. What I would love to see is that coupled with on-field team success, the like of which Christian Gomez had during his time period.' Benteke scored in last Saturday's 2-1 win over Colorado despite being listed as questionable with a quad issue before the game. Lesesne said the Belgian is ready for the weekend. Benteke leads the league in aerial duels (86) and shots on target (22). And, no surprise, D.C. ranks second in the league in accurate crosses per match, averaging 6.0. Defence is another issue for D.C. United, however. The club ranks last in the 30-team league, conceding 2.09 goals a game on average. In contrast, Toronto is tied for 17th (1.45). ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW But 10 of D.C.'s league-worst 23 goals allowed came from two losses — 4-1 at Orlando on March 22 and 6-1 at San Jose on April 6. The D.C. defence appears to have steadied in recent weeks, having allowed just six goals in its last four league outings. Toronto is also getting its backline together. After conceding 12 goals in its first five games, it has allowed just four in its last six matches. But TFC has won just two of the last 17 meetings (2-5-10) with D.C United. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2025
Mint
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
D.C. United optimistic Christian Benteke returns vs. Rapids
D.C. United expect the return of reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke when they host the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night. It's a matchup of teams going in opposite directions. While D.C. United (2-5-3, 9 points) have lost five of their last six matches, Colorado (4-2-4, 16 points) has lost just one of its last five. The dynamic Benteke, who missed last week's 3-0 loss at the Philadelphia Union with a quadriceps strain, has a chance to reverse the trend. The Belgian forward leads D.C. with five goals after scoring an MLS-high 23 a year ago. "We're optimistic about the weekend," D.C. coach Troy Lesesne said of the availability of the 34-year-old. "He was close last weekend. If we had another day of training, he would have been able to travel with us." Unlikely to return, however, is Joao Peglow (hamstring strain), who scored two sensational goals in the lone D.C. win in its last six matches -- a 2-1 decision at the New York Red Bulls on April 19. Peglow was hurt in a training session leading into the Philadelphia match. While D.C. has plenty of firepower, it has surrendered 22 goals, which is tied with Chicago Fire for the most allowed by a team this year in MLS. "We have to make the plays that we're creating," Lesesne said. "We also have to capitalize and finish plays on the defensive end." Colorado arrives after its second straight draw, 1-1, against the Seattle Sounders on April 26. Djordje Mihailovic scored to forge a tie in the 54th minute. Milhailovic (five goals, three assists) and Rafael Navarro (five goals) are Colorado's top threats. The pair combined for 26 goals and 16 assists last year in leading the Rapids to their first playoff appearance since 2021. Another storyline is the return to the nation's capital of former homegrown player Ted Ku-DiPietro, who had two goals and four assists last season. Ku-DiPietro, 23, was acquired by Colorado in February. "I've seen a fire in him, but I'm not so sure it's about D.C. United," Colorado coach Chris Armas said. "I think it's just about kinda establishing himself here, getting respect from the guys." First Published: 3 May 2025, 02:00 AM IST
Washington Post
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
D.C. United records its first shutout in almost a year but settles for a draw
D.C. United's 0-0 draw with CF Montreal on Saturday night at Audi Field was hardly the performance or result Coach Troy Lesesne wanted, but amid the bland affair came a bright revelation: a shutout. United had not held an opponent scoreless in almost a year, a span of 31 matches. Its previous clean sheet was also against Montreal and also at home. Kim Joon Hong, a 21-year-old goalkeeper in his first MLS season, was not placed under a lot of pressure but managed the penalty area well, saw two threats hit the goal frame and received a solid defensive effort from his teammates. It was marked improvement for a team that conceded 70 goals in 34 games last season, third worst in the league and the second most in club history. D.C.'s attack, though, did not click, failing to replicate the two-goal performances in each of its first three matches. The closest United (1-0-3) came was Christian Benteke's disallowed goal in the first half, the result of video replay. Three of United's first four matches have been at home, yet it has earned just five of a possible nine points in those games. The same D.C. lineup that produced a 2-1 victory over visiting Sporting Kansas City last weekend took the field against a Montreal team (0-3-1) playing the fourth of seven consecutive away matches to start the season until the weather warms in Quebec. United was a little loose defensively in the first half. Montreal's Fabian Herbers was given ample space in the 13th minute for a 25-yard shot that hit the base of the left post. Moments later, United midfielder Boris Enow made a critical challenge to disrupt Jules-Anthony Vilsaint's 12-yard threat. Herbers's misfortune continued in the 26th minute, when his bid in transition skipped off the crossbar. United — and the announced crowd of 16,133 — thought Benteke had shattered the deadlock a minute later, when he collected Jared Stroud's pass just inside the penalty area and slid the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. But video replay showed Benteke pushing the ball with his right hand; after checking the monitor, referee Guido Gonzales Jr. annulled the goal. United's Brazilians, João Peglow and Gabriel Pirani, combined in the box late in the half, but after Peglow's no-look flick set up his countryman, Pirani lifted it wide of the near corner. Early in the second half, David Schnegg's lovely chip set up the sliding Stroud in the six-yard box, but Sirois made a fine block. Lesesne made his first changes in the 60th minute, replacing Enow and Hosei Kijima with Matti Peltola and Brandon Servania. One of Peltola's first touches was a sizzler from distance that streaked over the crossbar. In the 73rd, Jacob Murrell took Pirani's place. Montreal had a grand opportunity in the 75th minute with a free kick at the edge of the box, but Kim was well-positioned to block Bryce Duke's bid, then thwarted Montreal's second chance. Lesesne's last moves came in the 83rd minute, with Fidel Barajas making his debut after arriving on loan from Chivas Guadalajara and newcomer Rida Zouhir making his second appearance. Here's what else to know about United's draw: Because MLS does not usually pause for international windows, Peltola and starters Kye Rowles and Aaron Herrera will miss next Saturday's match at Orlando City (1-2-1). Rowles will join Australia for 2026 World Cup qualifiers vs. Indonesia on Thursday and at China on March 25. Herrera was summoned by Guatemala for a two-leg Concacaf Gold Cup playoff against Guyana on Friday and March 25. Peltola's Finland will visit Malta on Friday and Lithuania on March 24 for World Cup qualifiers. Forward Kristian Fletcher, who is on loan to Nottingham Forest in England, was called up for U.S. under-20 friendlies against Mexico and Japan in Spain. Midfielder Randall Leal (thigh) missed his third consecutive match, and backup striker Dominique Badji was ruled out with an undisclosed minor ailment. Midfielder Jackson Hopkins (ankle), rookie winger Hakim Karamoko (sports hernia) and defender Conner Antley (knee) continue to recover. Antley seems closest to returning. ... Montreal was missing designated player Giacomo Vrioni (groin), who has yet to play this year, and captain Samuel Piette (hamstring), sidelined since the opener. U.S. national team prospect Jalen Neal (knee) remains out as well.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Christian Benteke, Hosei Kijima lead DC United to 2-1 victory over Sporting KC
WASHINGTON (AP) — Christian Benteke and Hosei Kijima scored in the second half to rally D.C. United to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night, ending the club's nine-match losing streak at home across all competitions dating to last season. Neither team scored until Erik Thommy used assists from Jake Davis and rookie Shapi Suleymanov in the 53rd minute to give Sporting KC the lead. It was the first goal of the season for Thommy and his 16th in 71 starts and 79 appearances — all with Sporting KC. The assist was the first of the season for Davis and his eighth in his 52nd start and 59th appearances with the club. Suleymanov's helper was his first. DC United pulled even seven minutes later on a penalty-kick goal by Benteke — the reigning Golden Boot winner. The PK was awarded after João Peglow drew a foul on Suleymanov. Benteke, who led the league with 23 goals last season, has three this season. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. DC United pulled in front when Kijima took a pass from Peglow in the 68th minute and scored his second career goal. Kijima had a goal and two assists last season as a rookie with St. Louis City. Peglow was making his league debut. Kim Joon Hong, a 21-year-old rookie, finished without a save in goal for DC United (1-0-2) — just 2-6-6 in its last 14 home matches. John Pulskamp saved two shots in the 31st start of his career dating to 2021 — all with Sporting KC (0-3-0). Sporting KC hasn't won in Washington since 2012. The two MLS charter members entered the match tied 22-22-13 over the 30-year history of the series. DC United improves to 3-0-4 in its last seven home matches against Sporting KC. DC United will host CF Montreal on Saturday. Sporting KC will host Minnesota United on Saturday. ___ AP soccer:
Fox Sports
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Christian Benteke, Hosei Kijima lead DC United to 2-1 victory over Sporting KC
Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Christian Benteke and Hosei Kijima scored in the second half to rally D.C. United to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night, ending the club's nine-match losing streak at home across all competitions dating to last season. Neither team scored until Erik Thommy used assists from Jake Davis and rookie Shapi Suleymanov in the 53rd minute to give Sporting KC the lead. It was the first goal of the season for Thommy and his 16th in 71 starts and 79 appearances — all with Sporting KC. The assist was the first of the season for Davis and his eighth in his 52nd start and 59th appearances with the club. Suleymanov's helper was his first. DC United pulled even seven minutes later on a penalty-kick goal by Benteke — the reigning Golden Boot winner. The PK was awarded after João Peglow drew a foul on Suleymanov. Benteke, who led the league with 23 goals last season, has three this season. DC United pulled in front when Kijima took a pass from Peglow in the 68th minute and scored his second career goal. Kijima had a goal and two assists last season as a rookie with St. Louis City. Peglow was making his league debut. Kim Joon Hong, a 21-year-old rookie, finished without a save in goal for DC United (1-0-2) — just 2-6-6 in its last 14 home matches. John Pulskamp saved two shots in the 31st start of his career dating to 2021 — all with Sporting KC (0-3-0). Sporting KC hasn't won in Washington since 2012. The two MLS charter members entered the match tied 22-22-13 over the 30-year history of the series. DC United improves to 3-0-4 in its last seven home matches against Sporting KC. DC United will host CF Montreal on Saturday. Sporting KC will host Minnesota United on Saturday. ___ AP soccer:
