D.C. United looks to break their winless streak against the similarly-struggling Columbus Crew SC this weekend. United could be bolstered by the return of Luciano Acosta, but even without him the attack cannot possibly stay this moribund with players like Patrick Nyarko and Patrick Mullins on the field. That, combined with the fact that The Crew will be missing some defenders, will hopefully break this streak for United and get them back on track.
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After being one of the only field players with a good performance against NYCFC, Ian Harkes is a lock to return to the field. If Luciano Acosta is fit enough to play 60 minutes or more, you have to play him as well; both of those decisions leave Jared Jeffrey on the outside. With the injury to Rob Vincent, Marcelo Sarvas will almost definitely remain on the field in defensive midfield; however, Chris Durkin could make an appearance on the bench.
There will be no changes to the defense this week, with Sean Franklin and Steve Birnbaum in the middle and Taylor Kemp and Nick DeLeon on the outsides. The attack will remain the same as well: Patrick Nyarko and Lloyd Sam on the wings with Patrick Mullins the lone striker. Jose Ortiz, Sebastian LeToux, and Lamar Neagle are all waiting for their chance, so if this starting lineup does not start producing soon any of those players could be dropped.
With this lineup, the bench will be Travis Worra, Bobby Boswell, Maxim Tissot, Sebastian LeToux, Jose Ortiz, Lamar Neagle, and Jared Jeffrey. What do you want to see Ben Olsen do this weekend?