D.C. United returns home to face Orlando City SC after a defeat on the road in Columbus. With the Lions coming off a midweek Concacaf Champions League matchup with Tigres UANL, the Black-and-Red will look to capitalize on the home-field advantage and (some Rooney magic) for a win.
Supporters from both sides could see some familiar faces in unfamiliar colors tonight. The Black-and-Red acquired former Orlando player Ruan, while D.C. alum Felipe Martins made his Orlando City debut on Tuesday. Both could feature in the matchup between D.C. and the Lions.
While Orlando may have some tired legs after Tuesday’s match, the Black-and-Red aren’t being complacent. Assistant coach Fred Brillant told The District Press, “You know, we watched the game on Tuesday. They played a very good game. They were lucky it is not easy to play there, obviously. But they came back with a tie, you know, so they have a chance to do something in the next game. So we expect changes for Saturday if they want to play the midweek game at home seriously. So yeah, we expect changes, and we expect a few new players. Maybe Felipe will be back on the field.”
Also, check out what Victor Pálsson had to say on Thursday:
Honestly, we’re looking forward to a fun matchup this evening. Given the incredible feats head coach Wayne Rooney has pulled off against Orlando as a player and coach, we’re ready! We’ll just leave this little gem here:
Key Players: Christian Benteke and Mateusz Klich
Christian Benteke has been simmering and ready for another goal or two since the meeting with Columbus. Benteke had some dangerous chances, but luck just wasn’t on his side last week. We all know Klich is a dangerous player that can score from distance. He and Benteke will hopefully prove to be trouble for Pedro Gallese tonight.
Watch Out For: Pedro Gallese
Orlando City’s goalkeeper has been able to keep a clean sheet so far in both MLS matches and the Concacaf game on Tuesday. We’re hoping the Black-and-Red can change his perfect record this evening.
Challenges: Orlando City is undefeated so far this season, having played to two scoreless draws (against Tigres UANL and Cincinnati FC) and a win against D.C.’s nemesis, New York Red Bulls. D.C. United will need to draw on a resilient mentality for a win.
Previously: The last time D.C. and Orlando met it was another stunning comeback for the Black-and-Red, with Chris Durkin and Taxi Fountas finding the back of the net in extra time. Relive the highlights from last July and get ready for tonight!
D.C. United Availability:
Out: Brendan Hines-Ike (foot), Martin Rodriguez (knee), Taxi Fountas (thigh)
Orlando City SC Availability:
Questionable: Favian Loyola (left thigh), Ramiro Enrique
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET
Referee: Jon Freemon
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
The 4-4-2 has been nice. We’ve seen great movement and great crosses. Personally I think we should push Klich higher and put a double pivot behind him. Canouse has been a lot better this year so far and Durkin (IMHO) has done what he can on the right.
I think Rooney should let Benteke play in front of Santos, Klich, and KDP. Move Durkin next to Canouse and field a 4-2-3-1 in possession. 4-4-2 is still good enough to defend will trying to get the ball back.
Anyone got any predictions? I’m feeling a cagey 2-1 win with goals from Klich and someone unexpected (defender on a corner) so let’s say Birnbaum. Vamos!
Honestly don’t. The prospect of playing a rotated lineup sounds promising, but I don’t know if our own team is ready to take off, start a slump, or something in between. We’ll take off if we’re able to click into an organized defensive structure, and find some dynamism going forward, but I don’t know if we achieve that with the two wingers that have started thus far.
It would be great to get a result, obviously, but I don’t know where this squad is heading.
Durkin getting the start again, as does Santos. Gotta say, I don’t have much faith in that pair, either in conjunction or isolation, to upset defenses. We’ll see if we are able to defend the wings better, it’s a cardinal sin not to in a 4-4-2
I’m counting turnovers by Durkin this match. 2 so far by minute 5.
At least we got one nice early cross in from Ruan towards Benteke, but Orlando’s keeper punched it away.
Interesting note with the snow in Minnesota, they’ve broken out the orange ball.
Looks like Pedro Santos is the second striker, with TKD on the left. I don’t hate it, but I still want Durkin to not be there
Durkin with a great cross to Benteke who is denied once again by Gallese
Gallese, fuck off with that save.
Geez, could we score?? This game is screaming for us to capitalize on dominance, or inherit nothing
I love seeing “Buzzard Point” on the video boards, but I’d prefer a few DC Goals.
That’s one of the best halves I’ve seen from this club without a goal. Argh.
DC bossing this game in every aspect except where it matters. Ruan, Canouse, and Williams had a great half. Benteke gets an honorable mention, but one of those chances needs to be converted.
They’re definitely making Palsson look obsolete, at least in the back
DC outplays them, goes down to a poach. Felt it coming.
So annoying. We should be beating them.
Birnbaum not looking good on that knee.
Looked incredibly painful. Surprised he’s still playing
Well this games gonna get boring. Orlando’s gonna bunker and DC is gonna have to break through. So disappointing. Can’t keep the opponent in the game.
Only if we miss this penalty 😀
I don’t think it’s a good call, but man, do we need it
I agree, but after the years of mediocrity I take gifted goals.
Not sure that’s a pk, but I’ll take it if they keep it.
Well, right call rules the day, dammit
KDP off for Asad after a penalty is reversed by VAR.
Our attack has gotten worse this half. I don’t see us getting back into it.
Hopkins and Fletcher might make it interesting
This is depressing after watching Old Glory come back from 24-10 down to tie it and almost win at the death, but lose 34-31 earlier today against New England Free Jacks..
I’m experiencing some frustration here.
Durkin levels it!
CHRIS DURKIN OH MY!
What a shot from Durkin. Wow! Credit due!
Durkin is a hero, apparently
Refs in this league need to get over the fact that Benteke is just stronger
If this ends in a draw its gonna feel like a loss.
Too sloppy after the goal and too many spurned chances before. At least they only conceded one tonight.
Awful missed call and somehow Ruan gets a yellow for a non-foul??
We all know that its DCU that gets cards and not the opponent.
It is Garber’s policy to let the Wookie win
Flames on the side of my face
Always nice to see the team come back, but this should’ve been a win. DC had too much possession and too many great chances, not to mention Orlando had so few, for this to be 1-1.
On the bright side, this team is looking like this without its third DP. And speaking of DPs, Klich was off tonight, but again, the team was still able to get a result. Organization was better today, but Orlando was coming off a midweek game and looked happy with a draw from the start, to be honest.
Same thoughts. This is the kind of result that allows Orlando to slip into the playoffs, and the kind of result that causes DC to miss it. Early in the season but picking up 4 points out of 9 with two home matches is frustrating. Where is our taxi