Heading into D.C. United’s last game, the talk was all about how the Black-and-Red needed to take full advantage of a four-game homestand. Tonight against the Philadelphia Union, that feeling is more acute. United played quite well in last week’s 1-1 draw with Montreal, but missed chances and one piece of magic undid all that good work. This week against a Union team that has been a mess on the road, there’s no room for moral victories or "we’re moving in the right direction." With a road-heavy late-season schedule and a bad away record of their own, United can’t leave any points on the table at home.
Both teams have been busy lately. United did their work earlier in the window, with Patrick Mullins scoring in his home debut and Kennedy Igboananike making his first appearance as a DC player against the Impact. Another new face, Lloyd Sam, was unavailable for that game, but is not on the injury report for this one. Philly, meanwhile, acquired USMNT regular Alejandro Bedoya and traded for former United striker Charlie Davies on the final day of MLS’s transfer window.
United’s extra time with their new players will likely mean that the Black-and-Red’s trio will be more of a factor in this one. However, Ben Olsen will have to cope without key defensive midfielder Marcelo Sarvas, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. With CJ Sapong as a target up front and goalscoring midfielders Roland Alberg and Chris Pontius coming from underneath, Jeffrey will need to deliver a very strong performance in his place.
Location: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington, DC)
Kickoff time: 7:00pm Eastern
Available TV: NewsChannel 8 and regional affiliates (check the link for the over-the-air alternate channel in your area)
Available streaming: MLS Live for those outside the blackout radius
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
Our gamethread will be posted one hour before kickoff.