Goalie likely to get nod for U.S. Open Cup game
Bill Hamid couldn’t get cleared soon enough during preseason to return to full practice after shoulder surgery. It wasn’t easy for him to find out that being cleared in the days before D.C. United’s season opener wouldn’t earn him a place on the bench.
But three weeks later, ahead of his likely first start of the season in a U.S. Open Cup qualifier against Philadelphia, Hamid understands what he’s gained by taking his time with his return to action.
Recommended Stories
“For a while, I’ve felt like I was ready to get back on the field,” Hamid said. “But I felt like it was good for me to see the speed again and to be on the sideline and see how things are shaping up, see how we’re playing and see how other teams are attacking us, and how I should organize to defend against that.”
Patience doesn’t come easy for the 20-year-old, and why should it for a goalkeeper who broke into D.C. United’s starting lineup last season. At age 19, in his MLS debut, Hamid made five saves and became the youngest ever to win a match, a title he took from U.S. national team keeper Tim Howard.
| U.S. Open Cup qualifying |
| Philadelphia Union at D.C. United |
| Where » Maryland SoccerPlex |
| When » Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. |
But just as Hamid has changed his appearance — he shed 25 pounds during the offseason — he’s also had to work on not rushing the progress of a career with enormous upside.
“He’s got a good attitude,” United midfielder Santino Quaranta said. “He’s changed. He’s worked hard in the offseason. Injuries sometimes are beneficial because it keeps you working and you want to get back on the field so bad it can be helpful, and I think that’s the case for him.”
Hamid played his first 90-minute match since September for D.C. United’s reserve team in a 4-1 win over New England on March 26, and United coach Ben Olsen said last week that each day he was getting better. Hamid, of course, agrees.
“Now, I’m starting to see the last week sharpness, everything’s back,” Hamid said. “I’m flying again, and there was one practice last week where I was like, wow. I felt like May?5 of last year, the Kansas City game [Hamid’s debut]. I’m trying to stake my claim to get back in there.”
