It’s not the RFK finale D.C. United would have wanted, but today’s game against the New York Red Bulls is still important. It’s not going to impact the standings in any truly meaningful way. It’s not going to factor into MLS’s Decision Day. However, much like former United attacker Dwayne De Rosario once showed us, it matters. United needs to honor their home for 22 years with one last victory.
Location: Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (Washington, DC)
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern (but don’t be surprised if this ends up being more like 4:20)
Projected D.C. United starting 11: (4231) - Steve Clark; Chris Odoi-Atsem, Jalen Robinson, Kofi Opare, Nick DeLeon; Russell Canouse, Ian Harkes; Paul Arriola, Luciano Acosta, Zoltan Stieber; Patrick Mullins
Bench: Eric Klenofsky, Sean Franklin, Chris Korb, Marcelo Sarvas, Lloyd Sam, Bruno Miranda, Deshorn Brown
Opare, coming off of a foot injury that kept him from traveling to Portland last week, got through training sessions this week without a setback, so he should be ready to step in for Steve Birnbaum (who watched training yesterday from the side due to his concussion). Aside from that, I’m hoping Ben Olsen chooses Odoi-Atsem to get one more local on the field for RFK’s final game.
Projected Red Bulls starting 11: (3331) - Luis Robles; Michael Murillo, Aaron Long, Fidel Escobar; Sal Zizzo, Felipe, Alex Muyl; Tyler Adams, Sacha Kljestan, Sean Davis; Gonzalo Veron
Jesse Marsch’s side will not climb or fall out of 6th place today, so he’s going to rest some players ahead of the MLS playoffs, which start mid-week. However, I don’t think we’re going to see too many players sitting out. Bradley Wright-Phillips? Sure. Beyond him though, it might just be the aging Damien Perrinelle and the injury-prone Kemar Lawrence getting a break today.
Referee: Dave Gantar
Available TV: NewsChannel 8 and regional affiliates (check the link for the over-the-air alternate channel in your area), including CW Richmond in RVA.
Available streaming: MLS Live for those outside the blackout radius
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
What do we have to say about it?: Our focus has mostly been on the end of an era at RFK Stadium. I finally stopped procrastinating and assembled my thoughts on 2400 East Capitol Street, you folks shared your memories, and Filibuster did the same.
We still managed to check in with Arriola in the aftermath of the USMNT’s qualifying debacle, heard from the man who looks to be United’s starting GK in 2018, and unanimously predicted victory.
What are you drinking?: You might find me in Lot 8 toasting our home with a beer or a slug of bourbon.
This is the place for all your pre-game, in-game, and post-game discussion.