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Every week, across several sports, players around the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia) shine in individual performance. Every Monday, I’d like to take a minute to highlight some of those performances, including what I view as the best performance and name that athlete the “DMV Star of the Week.”
This week’s DMV Star of the Week is D.C. United Striker Christian Benteke.
D.C. United opened up the 2024 season on Saturday night at Audi Field in Washington, DC in front of a crowd of nearly 20,000 fans.
The Red-and-Black took down the New England Revolution 3-1, thanks to a hat trick from 33-year old striker Christian Benteke.
This is Benteke’s second full season in D.C, joining the club from English Premier League side Crystal Palace in August 2022.
Last year, Benteke scored 14 goals, tied for 7th most in MLS. With Saturday’s 3 goals, he’s off and running in 2024 for DCU.
Benteke’s goals came in the 34’ to put D.C. up 1-0, the 72’ to reclaim the lead 2-1, and stoppage time in the 92’ to seal an opening night win.
The Belgian striker last had a hat trick late last season against New York Red Bulls, who was then coached by new D.C. United manager Troy Lesense.
“Now I score a hat trick for him,” Benteke said after the 3-1 victory. “So hopefully many more to come.”
D.C. is off to a 1-0-0 start for the second straight year and will look to carry this momentum toward Matchday two in Portland.
The DMV saw eight teams in action this past week, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, D.C. United, and the Maryland, Georgetown, George Washington, Howard, and American basketball teams
Here are some honorable mention performances for DMV Star of the Week:
Washington Capitals Winger Alex Ovechkin had 2 goals and an assist in Washington’s 6-2 win over New Jersey on Tuesday
Washington Wizards Forward Kyle Kuzma had 31 points and 12 rebounds in Thursday’s loss in Denver
Georgetown Guard Jayden Epps had back-to-back 30+ point games this week, pouring in 31 in the loss to St. John’s on Wednesday and scoring 33 in the win over DePaul on Saturday to give Georgetown its first win since January 6
George Washington Guard James Bishop IV scored 30+ points in back-to-back games this week, putting up 32 against Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday and 34 against Saint Louis on Saturday. Unfortunately GW’s losing streak extended to ten as the Revs fall to second-to-last in the conference
Here’s what’s coming up this week in DMV Sports:
Washington Capitals (26-21-9, 5th in Metropolitan Division)
2/26 @ Ottawa
2/27 @ Detroit
3/1 vs. Philadelphia
3/3 vs. Arizona
Washington Wizards (9-48, 14th in Eastern Conference)
2/27 vs. Golden State
2/29 @ LA Lakers
3/1 @ LA Clippers
D.C. United (1-0-0, 3 points 2nd in Eastern Conference)
3/2 @ Portland
Maryland Terrapins Basketball (15-13 overall, 7-10, 10th in Big 10)
2/28 vs. Northwestern
3/3 vs. Indiana
Howard Bison Basketball (12-15 overall, 6-4, 3rd in MEAC)
2/26 vs. Coppin State
3/2 @ Maryland Eastern Shore
Georgetown Hoyas Basketball (9-18 overall, 2-14, 10th in Big East)
2/27 @ Villanova
3/2 vs. Xavier
George Washington Revolutionaries Basketball (14-13 overall, 3-11, 14th in Atlantic 10)
2/27 vs. UMass
3/2 @ La Salle
American University Eagles Basketball (15-14 overall, 9-7, 3rd in Patriot League)
2/28 @ Army
3/2 vs. Navy
*Denotes games I will be covering in-person