After a 20-day break, DC United returns to action tonight in the first of two meetings in 11 days with Chivas USA. The teams are tied in the standings at 31 points overall, so this game has major implications towards the bottom of the MLS playoff race. For United to make the playoffs, no less than four points against Chivas is a necessity.
Game time: 10:30 PM
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Projected starting lineup: Goalkeeper Bill Hamid will make a welcomed return to the starting lineup after missing the last match and a half due to injury. Hamid has only allowed a single goal since July 2nd. If he gives up only one goal in the next two months, I think we'll be in pretty good shape.
The defense will be missing a key cog in Dejan Jakovic though, who is out with a hamstring strain. Rookie Ethan White will take his place, and I think we may see another former Terp added to the backline tonight too with Marc Burch starting in place of Daniel Woolard after some recent disappointing performances from the left back.
As we discussed earlier in the week, the location of United's best attacker in their formation will depend largely on the health of Josh Wolff. The veteran forward is listed as questionable, and if he's capable of starting, which we hope he will, then Dwayne De Rosario will lead the midfield. Charlie Davies should be fully healthy and ready to join Wolff up top, while Andy Najar and Chris Pontius will each return from national team duty to play on the wings with Clyde Simms in central defensive midfield.
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