OK, even though it is in like, 2 days, I am previewing the preseason fixture between DC United and Philadelphia Union. Assuming that Russel Canouse, Lucho Acosta, Steve Birnbaum, David Ousted, and Taylor Kemp are now recovered this is my projected starting lineup:

Mullins/Mattocks

Asad/Stieber, Acosta, Arriola

Canouse, Moreno

Kemp, Brillant, Birnbaum, Fisher

Ousted

United had their time to experiment against Malmö FF and will now play a full strength roster against another MLS side. If you think I made an error for not starting Deleon (1) Kemp and Fisher are both capable starting fullbacks and (2) I like putting Deleon in the subs because he can play pretty much any position except for goalkeeper, so you can see the area where DC needs help and maybe switch the formation a bit and put him where he'd help. If Steve or Frederic isn't doing great or is tired we could put in Opare.

Via Filibuster, I have learned that the Union have had an atrocious offseason, waving goodbye to Chris Pontius (Ooh, that name sounds familiar) and some others. I'll grant you that they were better than United on May 13, 2017, but hey, that team was pretty bad itself. Their team is like a garbage bag with a piece of gold (C.J. Sapong) inside.

With these DC and Philly teams, I think we'll pay our pals North some revenge and have a 3-1 victory at the Al Lang Stadium in Florida.

I will be doing DC United pre and postgames as well a weekly MLS Power Rankings #16daysuntilMLS

Z.P. Siegel, signing off