Formations & Tactics
Scouting Report: FC Dallas
FC Dallas has the best record in MLS; DCU has the worst. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen for the Black-and-Red, but an injury to David Ferreira and the classic "trap game" nature of this match could provide some tiny slivers of hope.
Scouting Report: Houston Dynamo
Houston has had DCU's number for years, but they're coming into this one after playing a game in LA that technically ended on Monday. Thanks to an assist from the MLS schedule, a patient & defensively sound United side could actually pull an upset.
Scouting Report: Columbus Crew
DCU played exactly how Columbus would have liked us to at RFK. This time around, United needs to flip the script by taking advantage of some glaring flaws in the Crew's game and forcing them to play how we want.
Scouting Report: Sporting Kansas City
Sporting KC has owned DCU for 3+ seasons now, & they come to RFK Stadium as legit Cup contenders. However, some key absences and some questionable quality in transition have provided us with a glimmer of hope. Plus: Simpsons references!
Scouting Report: FC Dallas
FC Dallas has the best record in MLS; DCU has the worst. This sounds like a disaster waiting to happen for the Black-and-Red, but an injury to David Ferreira and the classic "trap game" nature of this match could provide some tiny slivers of hope.
Scouting Report: Houston Dynamo
Houston has had DCU's number for years, but they're coming into this one after playing a game in LA that technically ended on Monday. Thanks to an assist from the MLS schedule, a patient & defensively sound United side could actually pull an upset.
Scouting Report: Columbus Crew
DCU played exactly how Columbus would have liked us to at RFK. This time around, United needs to flip the script by taking advantage of some glaring flaws in the Crew's game and forcing them to play how we want.
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
¿Quién es mas macho? Being tough is nice, but D.C. United probably needs to focus on being better at soccer than getting dragged into yet another brawl against the Philadelphia Union.
Scouting Report: New York Red Bulls
NYRB totally outplayed DCU last month, but they've been erratic since then. With United in need of a strong performance, the inconsistent Red Bulls could be anything between the perfect slump-buster or a stern test for the Black-and-Red.
About A Goal: DCU Mistakes Allow Late KC Winner
The initial reaction to Claudio Bieler's goal against DC United was that blame could be spread around equally among half of the guys on the field. A closer analysis reveals that, in the words of George Orwell, some were more equal than others.
POLL: How Should DCU Deal With All These Injuries?
D.C. United has been hit by a slew of injuries right before one of the toughest games of the season. We're asking B&RU readers to pick the best solution to a difficult problem.
Scouting Report: Sporting Kansas City
KC has convincingly outplayed us time and again, we're in poor form, and both De Ro and DeLo are out injured. How on earth is DCU supposed to win this one? Read up to find out what Sporting's weaknesses are.
Filibuster Pod: Tactics Review, Sporks Preview
No guest this week; just a full, undiluted dose of the three-headed monster that is Filibuster.
USMNT Scouting Report: Mexico
For the USMNT, "away vs. Mexico" is usually the hardest fixture in qualifying. They're strong, they're deep, & Estadio Azteca could be the toughest venue on Earth. Looking into how the US can break the curse & take a huge step towards Brazil 2014.
Scouting Report: Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew have started 2013 similarly to DCU, but that doesn't mean that they're a similar team. United needs a positive outing on the offensive end, & the Crew have some issues that may make them the right kind of team for addressing that.
Scouting Report: New York Red Bulls
NYRB had a typically Metro offseason, and the early returns have been disappointing. Here's how D.C. United can further the suffering of our hated rival.
Let's talk about United's attack w/o DeRo
Ben Olsen has several options at his disposal to replace the suspended DeRo for this weekend's home opener against Real Salt Lake. Let's take a closer look at a few of them.
Scouting Report: Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake has consistently been among the top teams in MLS for the past few years, but salary cap issues and injuries mean that RSL will look different (in more ways than one) from what we normally see. A look at DCU's next opponent.
Scouting Report: Houston Dynamo
For years, D.C. United's toughest road trip has been the annual visit to Houston to take on the consistently strong Dynamo. Can United finally get a win in Space City? B&RU's first Scouting Report of 2013 looks at the Houston Dynamo.
Season Preview: Philadelphia Union
D.C. United is always looking to win trophies, and that means getting the better of the rest of the Eastern Conference. B&RU's series of previews on our foes in the East takes a look at the Philadelphia Union.
