D.C. United vs. Montreal Impact staff and reader predictions

After an unexpected win in Atlanta to cap off a three game away trip that was otherwise a rather mixed bag, D.C. United return to RFK this weekend. And, most importantly, they return for Star Wars Night! Hell yeah.

But will the force be with the Black-and-Red as they take on the Montreal Impact? We’re thinking yes.

Donald Wine II

Getting three points from Atlanta was a big result for the Black-and-Red, and the team now is back home for three games, starting with Montreal. I’m just going to offer my prediction like this: we always do well on Star Wars Night. This year will be no different as the Force will be strong with the team from the District. Lamar “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Neagle will create problems for the Montreal defense, and will capitalize with a goal poached in the box. Patrick “Luke Skywalker” Mullins will also knock one home late and Bill Hamid will once again channel his inner Lando Calrissian and be smooth between the posts. 2-0 United, and we start off the homestand with three more points.

Adam Taylor

The win down south could be a turning-point win for a team that hasn't played as well as we expected them to on either side of the ball in 2017. Once they woke up, the team was organized on defense and clinical in their (admittedly few) attacking opportunities. I think United fall short of being fully convincing but still manage a W against Montreal. Kofi Opare makes his second straight start and scores on a first-half Lloyd Sam set piece, and Patrick Mullins rekindles his connection with Luciano Acosta to open the second half. Montreal tries to turn up the pressure late, but Bill Hamid & Co. escape with their first clean sheet since first kick. 2-0 to the good guys.

Jason Anderson

The win at Atlanta could be a real turning point for United, especially with the ability to bounce straight from that into three straight home games. However, United is probably going to face a Montreal team that will sit very deep and look to counter (sound familiar?). I don't think this game is going to be as straightforward as it should be on paper, even with the Impact missing Matteo Mancosu up front. I suspect we see few chances either way before halftime, and that pattern holds until the game is broken open by a Kofi Opare header on a Lloyd Sam corner.

With the lead, United's attack brightens while also finding more room against the Impact, who start to try and chase an equalizer. Patrick Mullins comes in soon after the goal, and he and Luciano Acosta combine at the top of the box to get the former Terp his first goal of the year. Montreal offers some real pushback through Ignacio Piatti's solo runs, but United does just enough to hold him and IMFC at bay. 2-0 Black-and-Red, just like the last time RFK had a Star Wars Night.

Ben Bromley

D.C. United is coming off of a confidence building win, and the Montreal Impact are struggling with some injuries. Even though the Impact are typically a D.C. United quandry, I think they may be able to pull out a result (if Nacho Piatti allows it). I think that Patrick Mullins gets on the board for the first time this season, and Lucho adds a second, to give United a 2-1 win over the Quebecois.

Leanne Elston

The win against Atlanta was a surprising result for a team that’s been struggling to get points this season—and I think that result, coupled with three home games on the horizon, will propel DCU to a win tomorrow. I wore my Patrick Mullins jersey to work today, so I’ll say he gets on the board along with Lamar Neagle. Montreal will manage to score one, but 2-1 is the final score.

What do you think will happen tomorrow? Share your predictions in the comments, but first! Watch this video, then vote in this week’s important silly poll: