Cristian Dájome double sparks DC United | Energy Moment of the Matchday
D.C. United, carrying an 11-match winless streak into their Matchday 26 clash with Nashville SC, desperately needed some energy Saturday night.
PROFILE
An explosive winger who can play on either side, Cristian Dájome joined Whitecaps FC in January 2020 after co-leading Independiente del Valle in goalscoring to win 2019 Copa Sudamericana.
The Colombian midfielder originally agreed to a contract through 2021, with an option for 2022. In April 2022, Dájome was signed to a contract extension through 2024, with a club option for 2025.
WHITECAPS FC
'22: In his third season with the club, Dájome showed his versatility by being deployed in a variety of positions in Vanni Sartini’s system, including wingback and attacking midfielder. The Colombian started 20 of his 31 appearances across all competitions for the ‘Caps, scoring two goals and adding the second-most assists on the team with four. Additionally, Dájome finished the season leading the team in big chances created with 6 and dribbles completed with 31 in MLS play. Dájome was also named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 20 when he scored his second goal of season and assisted Ryan Gauld's goal at FC Cincinnati on July 13.Â
'21: In his second season with the club, Dájome established himself as one of the most important attacking pieces for the ‘Caps and enjoyed his most prolific season to date in his professional career. During the MLS regular season, the Colombian tallied the second most goal contributions on the team with 10 goals and five assists in a team-high 31 starts and 33 appearances. Dájome also led Whitecaps FC in shots (56), duels won (216, sixth in MLS), and touches (1,530) during the regular season. The ‘Caps had a 6W-1L-5D record during the regular season when he scored or assisted. Additionally, Dájome recorded a goal in the MLS Cup Playoffs, as well as a goal and an assist in the Canadian Championship. The versatile midfielder/forward finished with the most goal contributions for the club in all competitions with 12 goals and six assists across 33 starts in 35 appearances. His 33 starts in all competitions were a team-high and his 35 appearances in all competitions were tied for the most on the team.
'20: Dájome settled right in with Whitecaps FC in his first MLS season. He appeared in all 24 matches, including the MLS is Back Tournament Knockout Stage, and was one of only 25 players in MLS to play in all 23 regular season matches. The speedy winger had three goals and four assists – both totals were third among Whitecaps FC players. He also led the club with 25 chances created, all from open play which landed him in the top 10 across MLS wingers. Dájome tied for the team lead in tackles won, and finished third in duels won, placing him in the top 10 across MLS wingers in both categories.
ECUADOR
'19: Dájome was on loan to Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle highlighted by his stellar performance during the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana where he scored four goals and added two assists in 11 appearances to lead Los Negriazules to a historic championship. In Ecuadorian Serie A league and playoff competition, he scored an additional five goals and two assists in 27 appearances, in addition to making another start in the Copa Ecuador.
COLOMBIA
’15-'18: Beginning July 2015 through December 2018, Dájome had stints with CategorÃa Primera A clubs Cúcuta Deportivo, Deportes Tolima, Atlético Nacional, Deportivo Pasto, and América de Cali. He scored 18 goals in 123 appearances across all competitions during this stretch, including FIFA Club World Cup, Copa Libertadores, and Copa Sudamericana. ’13-’15: Dájome got his start with Bogotá FC, compiling 20 goals in 84 appearances in CategorÃa Primera B and Copa Colombia competition in his first three years as a professional.