GameThread: Real Salt Lake at DC United
It was just three days ago that DC United defeated Real Salt Lake in extra time of a US Open Cup play-in match. Now the two sides are at it again, but this time in MLS action, and with their full starting lineups. DC has won their last three matches in all competitions, but RSL is on a five game winning streak in MLS. This one could be good.
Game time: 7:30pm EST
Television: Comcast SportsNet
Stadium Info: Get your tickets at the RFK box office. Pregame festivities include a concert from the Lloyd Dobler Effect and of course the legendary Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles tailgates.
Projected Starting Lineup:
| Hamid | ||||
| Graye | James | Pena | Wallace | |
| Simms | King | |||
| Najar | Pontius | |||
| Quaranta | Allsopp |
Last minute thoughts: United faced Salt Lakes top three attackers for 60 of the 120 minutes on Wednesday night, and held them to only a penalty kick goal. It's tough to see our backline doing the same to Alvaro Saborio, Fabian Espindola, and Javier Morales again. But United is in their best form of the year, and should be set to make a game of it against the defending champions. As is often true in soccer, the first goal will be absolutely critical, as United has struggled all season to fight back when they find themselves down. I'm not surprised to see RSL fans a bit overconfident, but we should probably all expect a close and exciting game.
This is your place for pre-game, in-game, and post-game thoughts.
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Perkins and Jakovic return!
I’ve been pretty good at nailing the projected started lineups lately, but this one caught me by surprise. Troy Perkins returns to the starting lineup after a strong showing Wednesday night, and Dejan Jakovic (who was listed as questionable) returns from injury to regain his rightful starting role alongside Pena.
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 6:47 PM EDT reply actions
Oh wow… Jaime Moreno is healthy, but not in the 18. Got to be one of the only times in his entire career that has happened.
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 7:00 PM EDT reply actions
I skipped over the Moreno part. Wow. Figured Jakovic was close last week during the Milan workouts and got the upgrade, so this is good to see.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Jun 5, 2025 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
First time seeing Najar
Se far (4 minutes in), I’m super-impressed.
Also, apparently Talley sustained a concussion on Tuesday.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 7:41 PM EDT reply actions
Can DC just sign him to a lifetime contract right now?
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha if only! I’m hoping we get two more seasons out of him.
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions
At least the transfer fee should be pretty nice.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
He's getting doubled whenever he gets a foot on the ball.
He’s 17. What a compliment.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Great play by Wallace to separate the ball, but holy moly did he ever get smacked in the calf for that.
I think he’ll be okay, though.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 7:57 PM EDT reply actions
Remind me again which team is in last place…
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 8:11 PM EDT reply actions
From what I can tell, RSL hasn't played badly.
DC has completely controlled the flow of the game, but RSL hasn’t looked bad in the process. They’re stepping up when they have to, but DC has probably played to a 1-0 at this point. Now if the scoreboard would only reflect that.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Jaime Moreno is banging the Barra Brava drum.
That is all.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:12 PM EDT reply actions
Love it. Hoping the Getty photographer gets a shot of this so I can use it in the game review post later tonight.
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Best I can do is a picture of the TV, so hope Getty gets it.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions
This is going to be frustrating if DC doesn't get 3.
I guess I need to credit RSL for this, too.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:51 PM EDT reply actions
Two years might be optimistic with Najar.
Also, Stephen King is playing the role that Robbie Findley played against Australia this morning.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:53 PM EDT reply actions
Najar had three guys on him that time.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, Najar hasn’t had a great game. He’s exciting every time he touches the ball. But he’s had a lot of giveaways.
by Martin Shatzer on Jun 5, 2025 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I came down a bit from earlier.
He was of the mind that he had to make a play every time he touched it, which resulted in more fizzling out than success. But the successes were quite nice. I was just surprised that RSL basically sold out to stop the guy who’s had so little MLS experience.
Simulated Gameday Experience - just like the real thing, only we have smoke machines.
by Chris Pendley on Jun 5, 2025 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

by Martin Shatzer on 





