D.C. United has lost just once in its last nine matches, and that was on the road against the new favorites to win the Supporters Shield. For that success to continue, it will take quite a bit of effort. It will take the kind of intensity and scoring prowess that helped United defeat the Houston Dynamo just two weeks ago.
The Dynamo are opening their brand new BBVA Compass Stadium today. Houston fans have long suffered without a true home of their own, and they deserve this. They deserve to be happy. Wait, no they don't. Only we deserve to be happy. Let's ruin their moment.
Game time: 4:30 PM
Television: NBC Sports Network
Projected starting lineup: Even though Ethan White has returned to full training, my read is that he'll sit out today while he still works his way back, and that United will instead stick with a variation of what worked against Toronto FC, with Daniel Woolard accompanying Brandon McDonald in the middle again. Chris Korb will remain on the left while Robbie Russell will return to the right, allowing Andy Najar to move up to the midfield. That will allow Danny Cruz to shift to the left wing. The rest of the lineup will be unchanged, with Dwayne De Rosario and Perry Kitchen in central midfield, Chris Pontius and Maicon Santos up top, and Bill Hamid in goal.
Prediction: The experts can pick whoever they want. We know that this United team is one of the four best in the league, and they'll show it again today. 3-1 United.
What are you drinking? I will most definitely not be drinking Blue Moon or Shock Top or any other beer that involves a certain citrus, and neither will you. This is an orange-free zone today. Instead, based on Alex O's recommendation, I am drinking Port City Brewing's Porter, which I was happily surprised to find in a liquor store in Waldorf.
This is your place for pre-game, in-game, and post-game discussion.