With two matches in the last week against teams outside of playoff position, D.C. United was able to hold serve. No upsets, no breaks. Meanwhile, we've seen the New York Red Bulls gain only a point against the New England Revolution, and the Columbus Crew fall to the Chicago Fire. Things are working out just fine for United so far this weekend. With a home match against Chivas USA tonight, we'll see if United can continue that success. Sweep that effing leg!
Game time: 7:00 PM
TV: Comcast SportsNet
Projected starting lineup: We've had some debates around these parts about United's best 11 the past few days. But even though I don't think that Branko Boskovic is one of those 11 players right now, I think he'll start again for United (and probably be subbed out early in the second half, per standards). Rather than the 4-5-1 that wasn't very successful while leaving Lionard Pajoy alone up top against the Philadelphia Union, I think D.C. will return to the 4-4-2 with Maicon Santos joining Pajoy in the starting lineup at forward. Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon will remain on the wings with Perry Kitchen next to Boskovic in central midfield. The back line will be unchanged with Chris Korb, Dejan Jakovic, Brandon McDonald, and Andy Najar in defense, and with Bill Hamid in goal.
Prediction: Chivas USA are by no definition a good team. But they do have a good goalkeeper in Dan Kennedy that will keep this game close. I'm predicting a frustratingly close 1-0 win for D.C. as United continues to do just enough to gain full points in its streak of matches against weaker opponents.
What are you drinking? We cracked off the first bottles of Emdee Brew #2 yesterday, and that's what I'll be drinking tonight too. It's supposed to be a Mexican style beer that we intended to be "a stronger version of Corona." In reality, it tastes nothing like Corona, but is still pretty darn good.
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