Celtic Kick Off US Tour with Easy win on MLS

Celtic FC began their 2024 US tour in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over MLS side DC United on July 20, 2024. The match, held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., showcased Celtic’s dominance and set a positive tone for their pre-season preparations.

First Half: O’Riley’s Brilliance

The game started with Celtic asserting control over possession. It didn’t take long for them to break the deadlock. In the 25th minute, Matt O’Riley capitalized on a defensive error by DC United, slotting home from close range. Just seven minutes later, O’Riley doubled the lead, following up on a saved shot to score his second goal of the match.

Second Half: Substitutes Shine

Celtic continued their dominance in the second half, with manager Brendan Rodgers making several substitutions to give young players a chance. Mikey Johnston made it 3-0 in the 65th minute, tapping in a cross from fellow substitute James Forrest. Forrest himself added the fourth goal, finishing off a two-on-one break set up by Hyun-Jun Yang.

Key Highlights

• Matt O’Riley: The captain for the day, O’Riley’s two goals in the first half set the tone for Celtic’s victory.
• Substitute Impact: Mikey Johnston and James Forrest both scored after coming off the bench, highlighting the depth of Celtic’s squad.
• Defensive Solidity: Goalkeepers Viljami Sinisalo and Scott Bain shared duties, combining for a clean sheet.

Post-Match Reactions

Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s performance, stating, “There’s a lot that I enjoyed about tonight’s performance. We were dynamic and technically very good. The players dealt well with the pitch conditions and made the most of their chances”.

Celtic’s young players during this match

Mikey Johnston

• Impact as a Substitute: Mikey Johnston came off the bench in the second half and made an immediate impact. He scored Celtic’s third goal in the 65th minute, tapping in a well-placed cross from James Forrest. Johnston’s pace and positioning were crucial in breaking down DC United’s defense.

James Forrest

• Veteran Leadership and Young Spirit: Although not a newcomer, James Forrest’s performance was noteworthy for his role in mentoring younger players. He provided the assist for Johnston’s goal and later scored the fourth goal himself, demonstrating his experience and skill.

Hyun-Jun Yang

• Creative Playmaking: Hyun-Jun Yang, another young talent, played a pivotal role in the build-up to Forrest’s goal. His vision and passing ability were on full display, helping to orchestrate the attack that led to the final goal.

Viljami Sinisalo

• Solid Goalkeeping: Sharing goalkeeping duties with Scott Bain, Viljami Sinisalo kept a clean sheet during his time on the pitch. His composure and shot-stopping abilities were vital in maintaining Celtic’s defensive solidity.

Looking Ahead

Celtic’s US tour continues with matches against Manchester City on July 23 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Chelsea on July 27 in South Bend, Indiana. These games will provide further opportunities for the team to fine-tune their tactics and build momentum ahead of the new season.