Black And Red United - MLS 2014 Week 15: D.C. United versus Montreal Impact StoryStreamThey can't hold us back. We are United.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47471/blackandred-fave.png2014-06-12T23:26:59-04:00http://www.blackandredunited.com/rss/stream/55583012014-06-12T23:26:59-04:002014-06-12T23:26:59-04:00United trumps the Impact: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A rare offensive explosion from the Black and Red.</p> <p>When the Impact scored to take the lead 2-1, I was pretty worried. United's offense had shown to be pretty incapable of participating in high scoring shootouts this season. Olsen's boys like to keep it tight at the back, and if that can't happen a win is usually out of the question. Then came <span>Nick DeLeon</span>, and <span>Luis Silva</span>, and Luis Silva again! The Impact are a horrid side this year, but it's relieving to see United actually manhandle an opponent they were meant to manhandle. D.C United is at the top of the Eastern Conference and it couldn't feel better, now the real test is whether they can stay there. The Sounders loom on the horizon. Here are your player ratings.</p>
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<p><b><span>Andrew Dykstra</span>: 5.5</b></p>
<p>There was nothing horrible in Dykstra's performance Wednesday night, but it does force you to notice what the team misses when Hamid is out. Both Impact goals were tremendous shots, but both were also prime examples of goals that Hamid might be able to stop with his supreme athleticism. Dykstra is a capable back up, but he lackes the ability to make those truly game-changing saves that Hamid can. Rest that leg up Bill!</p>
<p><b><span>Sean Franklin</span>: 4.5</b></p>
<p>The miscues on Romero's early goal we're painful to watch, and a healthy reminder of the player Franklin is. I'm still very comfortable with Franklin on the right, but he's not the type of player that can be left isolated against an attacker. His attacking can be superb, however that means that he needs support defensively from both DeLeon and Boswell.</p>
<p><b><span>Bobby Boswell</span>: 6</b></p>
<p>Part of Steve Birnbaum's early success in this league can be attributed to Boswell. The captain's veteran play and leadership is undoubtedly helping the rookie beside him, and everyone else on the back line for that matter. That being said, Boswell's continued inability to possess the ball out the back is driving me up a wall. Passing from the center backs is an aspect of the game that be easily overlooked, yet essential to a team. Having center backs that can play into the midfielders or up to the attackers is a weapon. If Boswell can tighten up his passing to at least give the strikers a chance to contest the ball the rewards would be plentiful.</p>
<p><b>Christian: 6.5</b></p>
<p>I'm considering the possibility that Christian's destiny is to never be removed from the starting line up.</p>
<p><b><span>Perry Kitchen</span>: 8</b></p>
<p>Sensational, this is the kind of performance I've been waiting for from Kitchen. Physical, intelligent, and most importantly incisive with his passing. It's awesome to see Kitchen become increasingly confident on the ball as he progresses into his career.</p>
<p><b><span>Davy Arnaud</span>: 7</b></p>
<p>Who knew that a yellow card suspension for Davy Arnaud would suck so much? He's become incredibly integral to what these team tries to do on the field. It's gotten to the point where he isn't really replaceable in the team. My vote is for <span>Jared Jeffrey</span> to partner Kitchen in the midfield.</p>
<p><b><span>Chris Rolfe</span>: 7.5</b></p>
<p>There are so many moments of stunning quality from Rolfe that fly under the radar. Some of his touches to keep possession are so vital, even if it just involves passing back to the left back. I've written about how Rolfe can be marginalized on the wing, but this match showed how he's still the best option at that spot, at least until <span>Chris Pontius</span> returns.</p>
<p><b>Nick DeLeon: 8</b></p>
<p>Words can't describe how refreshing it is to finally put down a quality rating for DeLeon. His goal to tie things up in the 1st half is what I've been screaming at him to do for the entire season. A quick decisive run with an instinctive finish. Brilliant. DeLeon has always come across as a player who is dependent on confidence. Hopefully he can use this game to climb out of his slump.</p>
<p><b><span>Fabian Espindola</span>: 8.5</b></p>
<p>Docked .5 for that silly kick out at Felipe. Yes, I know Felipe is a twit, but Espindola is vital to United's offense, and having him suspended could cost points. Three assists against the Impact continues what is shaping up to be a career year for him, so having a suspension halt the momentum is a real disappointment.</p>
<p><b>Luis Silva: 9</b></p>
<p>Has Ben Olsen finally cracked the code?! Time will tell of course but Silva at striker was a revelation. All that creative skill that has been frustratingly bottled up was released, and it was beautiful. The performance also showed how having two fluid strikers helps United's attack tremendously, so I hope at least retains his place against Rochester in the midweek.</p>
<p><b><span>Conor Doyle</span>: 5.5</b></p>
<p>What do you make of a player like Doyle? Looks lively enough but also never seems likely to score. Again, I'm fine with him as a sub but with Silva's performance he's moving even further down the depth chart.</p>
<p><b><span>Lewis Neal</span>: 5.5</b></p>
<p>This was a Lewis Neal performance.</p>
<p><b><span>Alex Caskey</span>: 5</b></p>
<p>I'm still slightly bitter about that red card.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2014/6/12/5805730/player-ratings-for-uniteds-win-over-the-impactDlewis2014-06-12T07:04:07-04:002014-06-12T07:04:07-04:00Luis Silva hat trick puts DC over Impact, into 1st
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<figcaption>Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Four goals in the game's first 22 minutes between last year's last place team and this year's.</p> <p>Could they really have been in Montreal the whole time? After spending much of the first half of this season wondering where the "real" <span>Luis Silva</span> and Nick DeLeon were hiding - these shadows on the field must surely have been imposters! - <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> fans on Wednesday night were reminded of the quality the two can bring as the Black-and-Red beat the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a>, 4-2.</p>
<p>The first half provided all six goals, the first coming in just the sixth minute. <span>Chris Rolfe</span> turned away from a challenge outside of Montreal's box and found <span>Fabian Espindola</span>, who slid a ball past the Impact defense and into the path of Luis Silva. The former <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a> attacker punished the defensive lapse, slotting the ball through <span>Troy Perkins</span>' legs and into the back of the net.</p>
<p>United's lead would be short-lived, though, as <span>Jack McInerney</span> got on the end of a counterattack, sprung by a gorgeous through ball from <span>Hassoun Camara</span>, and managed to wrong-foot both <span>Bobby Boswell</span> and <span>Andrew Dykstra</span> (starting for the injured <span>Bill Hamid</span>) to level the match. Again, the score would stand for only a short time, <span>Andres Romero</span> taking advantage of his own industry and a couple defensive miscues to put the Impact up 2-1.</p>
<p>But in a half of quickly scored goals, the next one was the quickest, as Fabian Espindola rewarded <span>Nick DeLeon's</span> long sprint from the right sideline with a perfect low cross from the left, which the Louisville product neatly turned past Perkins to put United back on level terms with the hosts. A long-range golazo and a penalty from Silva to finish out the half provided the final margin, neither team finding the net after halftime.</p>
<p>But that doesn't mean there was no action. Perry Kitchen had a shot cleared off the line following a corner kick, and <span>Patrice Bernier</span> missed a penalty.</p>
<p>The win pushes los Capitalinos to the top of the Eastern Conference, a midseason turnaround that is sure to have neutral fans asking, "Wut?" This was each team's final match in league play before MLS' two-week <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> break. United will return to action, though, on Tuesday June 11, as they go on the road to defend their 2013 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-golf" class="sbn-auto-link">U.S. Open</a> Cup title against the Rochester Rhinos of USL PRO.</p>
<h4>Thoughts</h4>
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<li><span>Silva certainly made up for that subpar performance against Columbus over the weekend. It's good to see Silva return to form and reward <span>Ben Olsen</span> for having faith in him.</span></li>
<li><span>Neither <span>Eddie Johnson</span> nor Bill Hamid traveled with the team, both staying home to nurse knocks they picked up against Columbus.</span></li>
<li><span>Speaking of absences, a pretty iffy yellow card issued to <span>Davy Arnaud</span> late in the game Wednesday has earned the former Impact captain a one-game suspension for accumulation. I would also expect Fabian Espindola to be getting a phone call from the Disciplinary Committee for his ill-advised (if cathartic) swipe at <span>Felipe Martins</span>' ankle during a stoppage in play. Look for United to have to go at least one, and possibly up to three games without their leading scorer once the league returns from the break.</span></li>
<li><span>Oh, and about Felipe. What a tool that guy is. Hopefully PRO and MLS see the number of dives and unwarranted calls he "earned" (not to mention the cheapshot on Espindola at the opening whistle) and keep a closer, more critical eye on him going forward. Seriously, what a tool.</span></li>
<li><span><span>Perry Kitchen</span> is never to miss a game again. Our midfield is better with him in it, period.</span></li>
<li><span>Things are less clear on the forward line, where it looks more and more like Eddie Johnson doesn't fit well into the tactical arrangement. Of course, the two games he's been out have been the two games that United play the style most suited to his game, keeping the ball on the ground and building up to chances inside the 18. Go figure.</span></li>
<li><span>And finally, <span>Steve Birnbaum</span> will bear some of the blame (along with <span>Sean Franklin</span>) for Montreal's second goal, but aside from that he had another strong performance in just his second MLS match. It took nearly half a season to show it, and it's still a very small sample size, but he's looking like a guy worthy of the second overall draft pick.</span></li>
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<p>That's it from me. Share your thoughts on the win down in the comments.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-2014-season/2014/6/12/5803054/dc-united-vs-montreal-impact-final-score-recap-highlights-luis-silva-first-place-baby-wooAdam M Taylor2014-06-11T16:31:11-04:002014-06-11T16:31:11-04:00DCU @ Impact gamethread
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>United look to take over first place in the Eastern Conference with a win over cellar-dwelling Montreal in both teams' final match before the two-week World Cup break.</p> <p>The USMNT aren't the only ones crossing international borders in pursuit of glory: our own <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> are in the French part of the Great White North tonight to take on the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a>. The Black-and-Red have a chance to take over first place in MLS' Eastern Conference with a win, while the hosts are looking to escape the conference basement (at least on points per game - they currently trail ninth place Chicago by 4 points) and take something, anything positive into the league's two-week <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> break.</p>
<p>United's job, as it so often is: Sweep the leg.</p>
<p><b>Kickoff Time: </b>7:30pm EDT</p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec</p>
<p><b>TV/Streaming:</b> CSN Mid-Atlantic for those of you in the immediate vicinity of the District, MLS Live for the rest of you. Except in Canada. They get their own broadcast on TSN/RDS, whatever those are.</p>
<p><b>Projected DC XI:</b> <span>Ben Olsen</span> might do some squad rotation due to the quick turnaround from last weekend's draw against the Crew at FedExField. But with a long break from league play coming up, I think it's more likely he sticks with his normal starters. Look for the usual 4-4-2, with differences only for injury: <span>Bill Hamid</span>; <span>Sean Franklin</span>, <span>Bobby Boswell</span>, <span>Steve Birnbaum</span>, <span>Cristian Fernandez</span>; <span>Nick DeLeon</span>, <span>Perry Kitchen</span>, <span>Davy Arnaud</span>, <span>Chris Rolfe</span>; <span>Eddie Johnson</span>, <span>Fabian Espindola</span>.</p>
<p><b>Previews:</b> You know about <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-2014-season/2014/6/9/5794260/mls-2014-week-15-dc-united-versus-montreal-impact-preview">our StoryStream</a>, of course. That's where you'll find all our coverage of tonight's game, so go check that out. And also click over to Mount Royal Soccer to get <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/2014/6/11/5801114/montreal-impact-vs-dc-united-preview-scouting">the Quebecois perspective on <i>l'affaire de ce soir</i></a>.</p>
<p><b>Prediction:</b> United rebound from a lackluster showing against Columbus and get their second road win of the year, bringing a 2-0 win back home.</p>
<p><b>What Are You Drinking?:</b> I'm on the hunt for Flying Dog's unicorn of a beer: Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale, and I've got some leads, so hopefully I'll have some on hand when I get home for the game tonight.</p>
<p>Welcome to the last DCU gamethread for a little while. This is your place for pre-game, in-game and post-game commentary and conversation.</p>
<p>Vamos!</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-2014-season/2014/6/11/5801140/dc-united-vs-montreal-impact-tv-time-live-streaming-gamethreadAdam M Taylor2014-06-11T15:47:59-04:002014-06-11T15:47:59-04:00How did Montreal beat NE, & other questions
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<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As always when D.C. United play the Montreal Impact, we talk to our good buddy Sofiane Benzaza of Mount Royal Soccer.</p> <p>For their last game before the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> "break," <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> takes on the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a> with a chance to jump into first place in the conference. To preview the game, we had an abbreviated chat with Sofiane Benzaza of Mount Royal Soccer.</p>
<h3>Questions for Mount Royal Soccer</h3>
<p><b>B&RU: Montreal just beat the best team in the Eastern Conference, the <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a>; what did they do different to get that result?</b></p>
<p><b>MRS: </b>The team is playing as a unit defensively and offensively. <span>Frank Klopas</span> challenged his players and demanded total engagement. He has instilled internal competition as he integrated new acquisitions and players returning from injury. The Montreal Impact is starting to look more and more like a team and not just 11 players put on the pitch. The days of "Rolling the dice" must be over for the Impact to have a chance to be in the race for a playoff spot.</p>
<p><b>B&RU: Montreal also got into the trade market early in the season, acquiring Issey Nakajima-Farran for <span>Collen Warner</span> and <span>Futty Danso</span> for a second-round pick. How have these trades looked so far?</b></p>
<p><b>MRS:</b> Danso has not played yet in MLS but I will not be surprised to see him start against D.C. United this evening. Nakajima-Farran played one of the best games played by an Impact during the 2-0 win against the Revolution. He has brought a physical aspect to the left side with speed and intensity</p>
<p><b>B&RU: Congratulations on winning the Voyageurs Cup! Do you think that this run of form that the team has been on will continue, or a nice blip in the middle of a down season?</b></p>
<p><b>MRS:</b> The most important part of the winning the Voyageurs Cup is ...winning! . Adding another trophy is important especially against <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a> but winning was even more important. The bleu-blanc-noir had to get positive results and take advantage of the momentum it got from its 2-0 win against New England.</p>
<p>The hard work that the staff and players have put in is giving dividends as results are going their way. This is not a run for the MLS Cup but add another against DC and the Impact can be a force to be reckoned with after the World Cup break.</p>
<p><b>B&RU: Injuries and lineup, por favor.</b></p>
<p><b>MRS:</b> Nyassi (ankle) Rivas (hip)</p>
<p>Perkins ; Camara, Danso, Pearce, Ouimette ; Bernardello, Bernier, Mapp, Nakajima-Farran ; McInerney, Di Vaio</p>
<h3>Questions for Black and Red United</h3>
<p><b>MRS: How have D.C. United performed since we last met?</b></p>
<p><b>B&RU: </b>Since we last met the Montreal Impact, D.C. United have finally thrown two monkeys off of their backs: they finally beat the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a> and <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a>, and have moved into second place in the Eastern Conference. Should they manage a win against L'Impact, they would move into first just in time for the World Cup "break."</p>
<p><b>MRS: What are the team's greatest strengths right now?</b></p>
<p><b>B&RU:</b> Their strengths right now are their midfield, especially in the center. <span>Davy Arnaud</span> and <span>Perry Kitchen</span> have formed a great partnership and have been able to harry opposing midfields. <span>Chris Rolfe</span> has also looked good since coming over in a trade from the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a>. However, the fourth midfielder, <span>Nick DeLeon</span>, has looked poor throughout this season, having no one really on the bench to push him. Early in the season we thought that he might be on the road to turning it around, but he has fallen back into a slump.</p>
<p><b>MRS:... and their greatest weaknesses?</b></p>
<p><b>B&RU: </b>The weaknesses of the team are still in the attack. <span>Fabian Espindola</span>, as great as he has been, cannot carry the attack by himself. He also missed a panenka penalty kick this past weekend. I mentioned Nick DeLeon above, and of course we are still waiting for <span>Eddie Johnson</span> to have a breakout game. Signs of life from either of them in this game would make me happy.</p>
<p><b>MRS: Injuries and lineup?: </b></p>
<p><b>B&RU:</b> <span>Chris Pontius</span> and <span>Michael Seaton</span> are both out, and <span>Chris Korb</span> and <span>Nana Attakora</span> were both out last week and so are unlikely to play. <span>Jeff Parke</span> got hurt right before kickoff on Saturday, and is doubtful for tonight's game.</p>
<p>With that said, a likely lineup is <span>Bill Hamid</span>; <span>Sean Franklin</span>, <span>Bobby Boswell</span>, <span>Steve Birnbaum</span>, <span>Cristian Fernandez</span>; Nick DeLeon, Davy Arnaud, Perry Kitchen, Chris Rolfe; Fabian Espindola, Eddie Johnson.</p>
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https://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-2014-season/2014/6/11/5801126/dc-united-versus-montreal-impact-previewBen Bromley2014-06-11T14:11:14-04:002014-06-11T14:11:14-04:00Scouting Report: Montreal Impact
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<figcaption>Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Don't shift into "all World Cup all the time" mode just yet. D.C. United and the Montreal Impact both have good reasons to see tonight's match as a vital one. Can United contain the Impact's counterattacking style?</p> <p>The planet-devouring juggernaut that is the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" class="sbn-auto-link">World Cup</a> is upon us, and though we welcome the temporary end of civilization it brings, there's some business to attend to first. <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> has a thoroughly unexpected chance to go into the World Cup break atop the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2012. It's a weird moment to play a game, but the points count just the same. Yes, that rhymes. No, I'm not sorry.</p>
<p>United's opponent tonight is the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Montreal Impact</a>, who sit at the other end of the standings in the East. L'Impact are actually dead last in MLS after <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA's</a> 1-1 draw with the Galaxy on Sunday. However, any thoughts that this game will be easy should be dismissed: Montreal is on a two-game winning streak - if you include their second leg win over Toronto in the Voyageurs Cup - and has conceded just one goal in three games. It was only about three weeks ago that United needed an 84th minute goal by <span>Eddie Johnson</span> - something akin to a winning lottery ticket at this point, sadly - to grab a 1-1 draw at RFK.</p>
<p>Frank Klopas's tenure with the <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a> was marked with a tendency to go on long streaks. His 2013 Chicago side was a perfect example: Terrible for about 60% of the season, but borderline unstoppable in September and October. It's too soon to say that Montreal is another Klopas team that suddenly turns things around and fights their way into playoff contention, but they're certainly showing some of the symptoms.</p>
<p>After the move to trade <span>Andrew Wenger</span> for <span>Jack McInerney</span> - which is looking really good right now, by the way - the talk surrounding Montreal concerned how they'd best use their new acquisition alongside <span>Marco Di Vaio</span>. Both players like to exploit the gray area between offside and onside, neither has the size of a traditional MLS target man, and both are used to playing down the center channel.</p>
<p>An injury to Di Vaio made the choice easy for Klopas at first, though he did unveil an intriguing tactic in the match before the Italian veteran picked up a hamstring strain. Di Vaio started in his traditional #9 role in Montreal's 4231, with McInerney out on the left wing. However, both players exchanged roles on a regular basis, and Montreal's 1-0 win over Philadelphia that night flattered the Union. It looked like Klopas had come up with a pretty effective way to confuse opponents while getting his supposedly incompatible players on the field.</p>
<p>During Di Vaio's absence, however, the 4231 stopped working, forcing Klopas to scramble yet again. An ever-changing back four didn't help matters, and the Impact's season threatened to go from bad to disastrous. In fact, given the hair trigger owner Joey Saputo has with coaches, Klopas may well have been fired if his side hadn't received an extremely dubious stoppage time penalty kick in their Voyageurs Cup semifinal against FC Edmonton.</p>
<p>Seasons can turn on such moments, though, and the Impact came to RFK just three days later and played arguably their best game of the season up to that point. The secret? Montreal got back to basics. They relied on keeping two solid banks of four in defending, and attacked purely via counters. Despite having to chase the ball for long periods, the Impact created as many shots - and more shots on goal - than United. The way forward was starting to become clear.</p>
<p>Since that night - where the Impact played out of a 4411 without Di Vaio - Klopas has more or less stuck to the same formula. If Di Vaio and McInerney are available, they play a 442; if not, Felipe is given an attacking midfield role with an emphasis on getting forward to be a second goal threat. The back four is closer to being settled, though the recent trade for <span>Futty Danso</span> and signing of former KC right back <span>Mechack Jerome</span> might change that. <span>Patrice Bernier</span> and <span>Hernan Bernardello</span> - like Di Viao and McInerney, a very similar pair - have had time to sort out their roles in central midfield. <span>Justin Mapp</span> keeps playing the best soccer of his life. All the sudden, Montreal is a tricky opponent.</p>
<p align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/assets/4598135/1015932_Montreal_Impact.jpg"><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4598135/1015932_Montreal_Impact_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="1015932_montreal_impact_medium"></a></p>
<p align="left">Given the recent success of Montreal's defense, I doubt we see Danso or Jerome. Of the two, Danso is the more likely starter long-term, and I'd bet it would be over <span>Wandrille Lefevre</span> rather than <span>Heath Pearce</span>. I just don't think it's that likely to be something the Impact attempt tonight.</p>
<p align="left">Left back has been a question mark, but it's basically a decision Klopas has to make between Karl Ouimette or Jeb Brovsky. Neither is a born-and-bred left back - Ouimette has mostly played center back, and Brovsky is a convert from central midfield - but both have been fairly stable of late. Ouimette has gotten more of the available minutes since Pearce and Lefevre became the first-choice center back duo, and if he starts he'll tend to stay home more than Brovsky.</p>
<p align="left">Further forward, central midfield and the forward pairing are settled. However, Mapp was today <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/06/11/montreal-impact-hope-finish-dc-united-time-maestro-justin-mapp-questionable">downgraded from "no known injury" to "questionable,"</a> which is a good sign that he won't play. If that proves true, it's a big break for United. Mapp's runs from right midfield are the X factor for Montreal, and they don't have a similar replacement. Issey Nakajima-Farran has been scoring goals from wide midfield and is the likely choice here for Klopas.</p>
<p align="left">He could also play <span>Andres Romero</span> on the right, but this system has worked better with inverted wide players. In Romero's case, that means playing on the left instead. It's also worth noting that Felipe has seen minutes as a wide man in MLS, and Klopas could roll the dice on him at either flank position.</p>
<p align="left">The Impact have always been a more difficult proposition at home. Obviously that's the case with every soccer team on the planet, but within MLS the Impact seem even more heavily reliant on playing in Quebec than the average side. It's tempting to think they might try to play more expansive soccer as a result, but I have my doubts. They'll be more aggressive about keeping the ball than they were when we last saw them, and they won't sit so deep, but I'm guessing that the Impact will still be focused on keeping a shutout. Montreal is still on the road to recovery from their poor start to the season, and playing an open game risks their still-fragile confidence.</p>
<p align="left">If Mapp is unavailable, the Impact lack the sort of speed that makes counterattacking soccer so dangerous. There's still plenty of technical skill and soccer IQ, though, so United will have to be mentally sharp for 90 minutes. In particular, Montreal has shown a knack for breaking out from deep due to the long-range passing ability of Bernier. Turnovers are always bad, but against Montreal they really need to be kept to a minimum. United will also need <span>Perry Kitchen</span> and <span>Davy Arnaud</span> to be alert to how quickly our attacks can become threats to our own goal.</p>
<p align="left">The other major threat is that forward pairing. Any time you face two clever players off the ball who can finish like Di Vaio and McInerney can, you've got a problem on your hands. There's not a particularly innovative solution involved here. United will need to apply consistent pressure on the ball throughout the midfield to prevent early through balls, and the back four needs to maintain good spacing and communicate well. I haven't talked about it as much this season as in the past, but this is a huge test for United's ability to focus defensively.</p>
<p align="left">Montreal's preference for counterattacking means United has to pick an approach and do it well. If we want to be aggressive on the road - with <span>Jeff Parke</span> doubtful, this seems like a risk even with <span>Steve Birnbaum</span> doing so well in his first-ever pro start - our pressure has to smother Montreal's counters at a very high rate. If we want to sit back we have to be very sharp whenever we end up with the ball. Otherwise, the goal becomes hanging on for a 0-0 draw and/or hoping to snatch a goal on a set piece.</p>
<p align="left">Going forward, United needs to maintain a speed of play that's quick enough to prevent Montreal from getting organized. At RFK United was too slow with the ball for much of the game, and that allowed Pearce and <span>Troy Perkins</span> to get their troops in place. The Impact didn't do anything particularly innovative on that night; it was just good old fashioned organization and discipline.</p>
<p align="left">For United to break Montreal's shutout streak, things have to happen faster. That doesn't mean running faster, though speed always helps. We're talking about thinking faster, moving in concert rather than waiting on one person's run to end, and things of that nature. In particular, United will need to be precise when passing the ball. It's one thing to pass to your target; it's another to place the ball on their preferred foot or in a spot where they don't have to break stride to collect the ball. Those lost half-seconds mean everything when playing a team like the Impact.</p>
<p align="left">I'd like to see <span>Nick DeLeon</span> step his game up for this one, as I think he can get the better of either Ouimette or Brovsky at left back. Ouimette doesn't have very good lateral quickness, while Brovsky seems to be lacking belief at the moment. In either case, DeLeon needs to be aggressive on the dribble. If Montreal is going to play a stay-at-home outside back, there's no reason to hold back down the right side (especially if Romero, who isn't exactly a dogged defender, is at left midfield as well).</p>
<p align="left">We probably go over this every week, but this is once again a great chance for EJ to break out. He's faster and smarter than the inexperienced Lefevre, and has speed and strength advantages over Pearce. Johnson needs to get himself into situations where he's being marked 1v1 so that he can take advantage of these advantages. United also needs to put in a few more traditional crosses to help him get on track. There will be opportunities to do so - again, especially on the right if <span>Sean Franklin</span> overlaps well - and getting a goal might cause Montreal to revert back to the losing mindset they had throughout the spring.</p>
<p>I mentioned set pieces earlier, and as is often the case United should have the advantage inside the box. Birnbaum replacing Parke actually increases that, as Birnbaum was a goal-scoring machine in college despite playing as a center back the whole time. Montreal has some size themselves with <span>Hassoun Camara</span> and Lefevre, but their second-tier options aren't going to be able to cope with guys like Kitchen. If Espindola's service is better than it was against Columbus, this could be a pretty successful means of attack.</p>
<p>At the other end, Montreal does have pretty decent service, with or without Mapp. Bernardello isn't an elite set piece taker, but he's a pretty consistent option. The real danger with Montreal isn't necessarily them scoring on headers, but rather turning the scrambles and second-chance looks into goals. With Di Vaio and McInerney involved, there's always a chance that they get onto a loose ball first, and with their finishing ability that's a big problem. United needs to win the first ball throughout, and then clear it effectively rather than letting the Impact put the ball back into the box.</p>
<p>All in all, this is a tricky sort of game. The expectation is that United should be able to get a win over a bad team. The pressure is almost entirely on the visitors. That's just how the Impact would want it, too. In terms of team psychology, United needs to start well and force Montreal to question whether their recent good form is just anything beyond a simple flash in the pan. The longer the Impact are dictating the terms, the more their sense of belief will strengthen.</p>
<p>Much has been made down here about how this is a huge game for United. That's true of any chance to go into first place in your conference. However, I'd argue this is an even bigger game for Montreal, who are really at the precipice of changing the narrative of their season. Right now, they're experiencing a brief recovery that may point towards better things. A win tonight, and they head into the break as a team charging up the standings. When you're eight points out of a playoff spot, winning your midweek games becomes hugely important. It's up to United to make sure the status quo is maintained, and that will require a focused performance for 90 minutes.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/2014/6/11/5800266/dc-united-vs-montreal-impact-scouting-report-marco-di-vaio-justin-mapp-injuryJason Anderson2014-06-09T15:00:45-04:002014-06-09T15:00:45-04:00Where does DCU need a post-World Cup signing?
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<figcaption>Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As United comes to the World Cup break, we take stock of their roster needs at this point.</p> <p>As we come into the last MLS game before the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> semi-break begins, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> stands above where many of us thought they would at this point in the season. They are tied for second place in the Eastern Conference, and have the third best points-per-game. On the other hand, the have dropped points in a number of winnable games against the bottom of the league, including the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a>, the latter of whom happens to be this Wednesday's opponent. After looking at my projected lineup for tomorrow night's match, my question to all of you is this: what post-World Cup pickup do you think D.C. United most needs?</p>
<p align="center"><img src="http://www.footballuser.com/formations/2014/06/1014496_DC_United.jpg"></p>
<p>I feel like there are three prime candidates who need pressure put upon them in the form of a new signing. The first is obviously <span>Nick DeLeon</span>, who apart from flashes has looked ineffective and poor. With the injury to <span>Chris Pontius</span>, however, there is no one with whom <span>Ben Olsen</span> can replace DeLeon; both <span>Lewis Neal</span> and <span>Alex Caskey</span> are situational players, not meant for full-time starting in MLS as wide midfielders. And, if you ever want to move <span>Chris Rolfe</span> back to the front line with <span>Fabian Espindola</span>, that exposes the lack of depth on the wings even more.</p>
<p>Another place on the field that could use some pressure is central midfield. <span>Luis Silva</span> has not proved this year that he can be a starter for D.C. United, and has only <span>Collin Martin</span> behind him for the number 10 role. In defensive midfield, <span>Perry Kitchen</span> is a rock, and <span>Davy Arnaud</span> has played well, but the depth gets shaky after that. But given the effectiveness of Kitchen and Arnaud so far, combined with the fact that <span>Jared Jeffrey</span>, Collin Martin, Luis Silva, and Lewis Neal all provide depth here, this position is further down the wish list for me.</p>
<p>Finally, you could argue that there needs to be more depth at striker: after Fabian Espindola and <span>Eddie Johnson</span>, the other options are inexperienced or forcing Olsen to fill holes created elsewhere. Chris Rolfe is the obvious main backup here, but he is playing ever game on the left wing and his absence there creates another hole for United. After that, the choices are <span>Conor Doyle</span>, Luis Silva, and Michael Seaton. Seaton may get more extended minutes down the stretch this fall, but another option there may help competition.</p>
<p>Given the fact that United is likely only going to be able to bring in one player, in which position do you want it to be? Winger, striker, or central midfielder? Or do you have a different position in mind altogether?</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-2014-season/2014/6/9/5794092/dc-united-versus-montreal-impact-lineup-roster-depth-chart-rumorsBen Bromley