For the longest time, more than $300 million worth of spanking-new Real Madrid talent couldn’t get the ball past a modestly paid goalkeeper named Josh Wicks, who dived left, right and took command in front of his net to keep D.C. United in the game against soccer’s latest edition of the best team money can buy.
The inevitable breakdown occurred in the second half, when Gonzalo Higuain shredded United’s defense for two goals in a two-minute span, leading the Spanish powerhouse to a 3-0 victory over the MLS club in Sunday’s exhibition before 72,368 at FedEx Field.
Arjen Robben added another goal for Real, which went 2-0 in its preseason swing through North America. Real defeated Toronto FC 5-1 on Friday.
“You never know when you’re going play them again, so make sure you have your best game,” said Wicks, whose $42,000 MLS salary would be pocket change for Real.
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