D.C. United makes their first visit to Red Bull Arena tonight with the hopes of christening it as the new RFK North. The Atlantic Cup will be settled in this match, but United would need to defeat the Red Bulls by at least 2-0 to keep their streak of Atlantic Cup trophies alive.
Game Time: 7:30 PM
Television: Comcast SportsNet
Projected Starting Lineup: Expect a lineup very similar to what was used in the road draw against the Earthquakes last week. Two possible changes: Curt Onalfo may elect to use the speed of Julius James instead of the experience of Juan Manuel Pena at center back in this match, after Pena was beaten on a corner kick for a goal by San Jose last week. We could also see Jaime Moreno return to the starting lineup ahead of Adam Cristman. The team looked better in the second half after Moreno's insertion last week, and the veteran has dominated this matchup over the years.
New York has beaten up on lesser opponents many times this season, but they haven't defeated anyone with a winning record since April. This will therefore be a true test for United to see where they now stand among the rest of MLS. Is this squad worthy of a winning record as their recent form has indicated? Or are they still just another lowly team that the Red Bulls will handle easily?
This is your place for pre-game, in-game, and post-game thoughts.