D.C. United look to snap back into form against Chicago Fire after being drubbed by Philadelphia 3-1 last weekend. Chicago also looks to return to winning ways after a series of losses against Vancouver, LA Galaxy, and Orlando.
It will be an interesting evening – the Fire are two points ahead of D.C. United in the Eastern Conference standings and hold the 9th and final playoff spot. The Black-and-Red must gather as many points as possible in the coming weeks to keep their playoff hopes alive or risk another disappointing end to the regular season campaign.
We’ll look to see some significant roster shakeups tonight. Tyler Miller is out for the next four to six weeks with an injury sustained during the Philadelphia match, we anticipate Alex Bono starting. Meanwhile, Ted Ku-DiPietro more than earned a start for his standout performance last week. If he’s at full fitness, we’d expect to see him in the XI.
Let us know your thoughts and predictions for tonight in the comments!
Key Player: Ted Ku-DiPietro
Play your kids. Ku-DiPietro came through for D.C. in the dying moments of the match to disrupt Andre Blake’s chance at a clean sheet. The tenacious Ku-DiPietro has been one to watch this season as he’s found his form and executed a series of heroics for the Black-and-Red.
Watch Out For: Kei Kamara
Veteran striker Kamara is an absolute danger on the pitch, able to pick his way through a backline with ease. The Black-and-Red will need to stay sharp on the defense to shut him down.
Challenges: D.C. United still is struggling to find its form with new signings and outgoing players. The Black-and-Red will have to come together to pull off a convincing performance tonight and in the weeks to come as they work toward the playoffs.
Previously: D.C. and Chicago last met in April when they played to a scoreless draw at Soldier Field.
D.C. United Availability:
Out: Martin Rodriguez (knee), Mohanad Jeahze (leg), Tyler Miller (abdomen)
Chicago Fire FC Availability:
Out: Chris Mueller (right upper leg), Victor Bezerra (right lower leg), Javier Casas Jr. (right lower leg)
Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 7:30 pm ET
Referee: Sergii Boiko
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
This is a winnable game. DC is facing what should be a tired Fire team. And there are actual playoff implications.
I like the idea of starting KDP. He’s a bit more seasoned age-wise than some of our Academy and Loudoun products. So his age is not far off from a recent college grad.
I watched the highlights of the Fire’s game against Vancouver the other day. The commentators were speaking of Kei Kamara being on the cusp of some scoring record but I couldn’t figure out which record that might be. Anyway, I’m hoping for a victory from DC. While I’m pessimistic about the team’s direction, I’d still like to see them playing like they are trying to win and make playoffs.
Kamara’s next goal ties him with Landon Donovan for second most in MLS history. Kind of relieved he didn’t get it against DC.
DC have been lucky with recent MLS results. Not speaking to DCU’s own recent results but those of other playoff contenders who had games in hand over DC. If United can’t find some better form down this final stretch, then none of those other results will matter. Hopefully this side can find a way to secure a much needed three points tonight.
Could this finally be a departure from a 3-back system? I like the move, let’s see how it goes. This YET ANOTHER must-win game.
all games are must win at this point
Starting XI:
Bono, Davis, Williams, Birnbaum, Najar, Canouse, Kilch, Pirani, KDP, Dajome, Benteke
Bench:
Asad, Durkin, Fajarado, Hines-Ike, Hurtado, Pines, Ruan, Santos, Zamudio
BENTEKE!!!
We get a goal for good play
That was a gorgeous pass from Kilch.
Klich from a deeper position connects very well with Benteke, who shows a precision and composure he’s lacked recently. Well, that’s DP shit, and about time
Speaking of DPs, Klich now has as many assists (and just one fewer goal) than fellow DP Edison Flores had with DC. Klich has played about 580 fewer minutes than Flores.
Edison Flores? Did he play for DCU?
Some of y’all were crapping on Klich after last week’s game, and I just can’t make sense of it. Stuff about him not really having a position for DCU. That’s because he does everything on this team. He’s the most indispensable player. Not at the level of a Carles Gil, Hani Mukhtar, or even Reynoso and Espinoza, but he’s damn good, and very smart. I wouldn’t compare him to Lucho or Rooney, but he’s one of the best players we’ve had in the last decade.
He showed he can be a good partner in midfield when he has creativity in front of him this game. He’s been in the wilderness for a bit, but he had a great impact in a more appropriate role.
I’ve only got to see him play on tv, so it’s hard to really appreciate him based on what people who watch him live say. I find myself tending to focus on his poor plays more than all the little things he does right.
One thing that really jumped out to me was when the commentator praised him for almost never taking more than two touches on the ball. After she said that I started watching more carefully and it’s really true. One of the key skills a CM/CDM can have is always knowing what they’re going to do before they get the ball. It was one of my favorite aspects of Junior Morenos game but he didn’t have the passing range of Klich. Durkin plays like that at times, but is way more inconsistent.
Damn, more good interplay killed by a definite offside
Own goal by Chicago called back for offside on Benteke…it was hard to tell on replay if that came off a DCU player or a Chicago player before Benteke got on it.
KDP doubles it!
Not to distract too much from the game, but Goff dropped this bomb last night. Apparently Rooney wanted to add Ravel back into the squad but they had bought out his contract earlier this summer and DC didn’t have the cap room to sign him again.
Not sure exactly how the cap hit would have worked, but it seems silly that we couldn’t afford to pay him league minimum salary, which is about twice what I think he deserves.
We also backed out of signing Lingard because he wanted three guaranteed years as a DP. DCs recent history of overpaying players is hopefully over. I think Lingard would have been decent as a low TAM player on a one year contract with an option, but his recent history has been terrible both in terms of form and injuries.
https://twitter.com/SoccerInsider/status/1697719896048652449
A motivated Lingard would have been very good in MLS, but I doubt he would have been.
Not sure what the logic would be here. Ravel has been outed by multiple sources has an awful teammate. Not to mention he was pretty bad for DC. Rooney has made some questionable personnel decisions during his short tenure in DC.
Good finish by TKD, Benteke is playing out of his skull
In prior games, Benteke had a real problem trapping the ball with his chest. Early on, he was getting called for handballs (and I think got away with a few illegal touches, too). In recent games his first touch had just deserted him. All came together for him tonight, for sure. He could’ve had 2 goals and an assist in any league in the world.
Williams out for Hinkes-Ike in the 24′ for injury.
Hopefully nothing too serious. Williams has been good for DC this year. Good player defensivley and pretty strong in possession too.
Williams subbed out, hope it’s just for this game
Chicago also getting ready to make an injury sub .
A lot to like about this 4-2-3-1, but Dajome really needs to step up. We don’t have the wing depth (especially with Rooney not trusting Hopkins) for him to not play well. But he’s had three turnovers (all just bad, visionless passes) in the last five minutes. I think Ruan has a shot at winning that spot from him but that would leave us with hoping Najar stays healthy.
I like Dajome, and particularly the energy he brings. But yeah, tonight he was just really imprecise with his passes and was getting the ball taken off him. I like the line of KDP, Pirani, and Dajome backing up Benteke, but maybe Fajardo can get a run in that slot.
It’s quite possible this is the DP position we should target, someone who has pace and skill and quality to provide true width
I’m going to disagree. I think the DP spot should be used on a commanding CB while we should make use of the U22 spots to find one (or two) young dynamic wingers that have resale value.
You can get MLS CB’s without DP money, I have never once in MLS seen it be worth it to make a CB DP.
I gotta say, so nice to be playing a back four well again. A back three allows you to congest spaces, feel like the back four allows for space to be used more effectively.
What the absolute fuck was that…
3-0
Can an own goal also be a red card?
He makes a play for the ball, so the new rules mean it would be a yellow and a PK.
He made a play for the ball? I’m not sure I agree, but why would that impact a DOGSO red? If you deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity, isn’t that just a red?
It’s a (relatively) recent change to the rules in order to prevent triple punishing a team on a play in the box (player sent off, penalty, and still get scored on). Because a penalty gives you a goal scoring opportunity, you’re not denying the other team of one so long as you make an attempt for the ball. It’s a bit subjective, but I thought the red was smart to let it slide since a goal was scored.
Definte penalty and some confusion due to the lack of the penalty and hand to ear by the referee. Who to be fair was pointing to the center circle the whole time and has generally speaking been very good this whole game.
*lack of a whistle
I don’t believe a penalty can be given when the ball goes in the net (would swing the game way too much) but I have never seen the denial of a goal scoring opportunity red not be considered over an own goal
I agree with that. I just think the fans reaction and mine was first an incredoulity at the lack of the immediate whistle for the penalty. So much so that I barely noticed the ball end up in the back of net.
It looked like the ref was about to whistle when the ball hit the back of the net. Good refereeing.
I think much of the fan reaction was confusion due to the fact that DCU players seemed to be complaining to the ref, instead of celebrating a goal call. In retrospect, I imagine they were insisting for a red card
Klich has been a monster tonight. He’s so much better when played deeper.
He’s also not being ineffectively used as width, which helps everyone
Great first half from DC. Clearly the better side and three goals barely flatters DC, if that (they at least deserved two). First goal is a DCU GOTY contender.
Also, want to take another chances to praise this referee (*knocks on wood*). Quick and consitent on the foul calls, not letting much contact go (I know some MLS fans dislike this, not me though) and most importantly, despite the slightly happy whistle, has kept the game clean and flowing. MLS could benefit from more halves called like this, not games that turn into borderline rugby matches.
That third goal was an absolute paradox concerning penalizing the defender for definitely deserving a red. My gut says that should be both an own goal and a red card for intent, but it’s a baffling scenario to fit into a rules decision. Bizarre scenario.
I don’t even know if intent is an element. It was clear DOGSO. He denied a goal-scoring opportunity, even if he also ended up knocking the ball into the net himself.
I think we’re actually agreeing
Birnbaum also having a stellar game, and Davis providing width with speed is also making a difference
I was expecting a bit more from Davis’s crossing and passing, but he’s still new to the team. Certainly happy with him starting over Santos.
He’ll be gone next week on international duty, and I’d be really happy to see Jacob Greene getting the nod, but it will likely be Santos again.
The team was so much better with Santos (and Durkin) on the bench…and TKDP running the line.
Wait Kei Kamara is coming off without scoring a goal against DCU? Is that allowed?
Kamara has been taken off, and that’s a nice thing to see.
Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had very good sequences of play and feel good for three goals in this game, but Chicago as opposition have been slap stick.
Ok, at this point, it’s time for United to figure out the possession side of things
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad we didn’t sign Shaqiri?
Being able to bring Durkin off the bench is so nice. His biggest weakness is his lack of speed, but it’s not as noticeable when put on against tired legs and his hustle can be more effective.
There’s a 4th and a brace for Benteke
Benteke with the cherry on top
This.
Yup.
I love it! What a beat down. Those first two goals were superb–just beautiful. And with two goals, you have to think this is really going to energize Benteke (which is a big plus). And I think TKDP has shown he needs to be starting with Benteke–the two work well together. I think Klich either as part of a double pivot with Canouse OR at least playing as a box-to-box midfielder is the way to go. He works so hard, is so good at so many things–he’s just not the kind of A-mid (at this point) that will do the stuff that Zelerayan can do. Or Lucho Acosta. Or Hany Mukhtar. But he’s so damn good at everything else and sets a great example for the rest of the team.
I posted something very similar in a comment of my own.
Surprised not to see more mention of Pirani. Some bad giveaways, but he has touch and vision. He could be very good as he gets to know his teammates.
He’s a good cog, for sure. Would get more praise if he had specific end product, but he and TKD supported Benteke really well while allowing Klich to play deeper, so yeah, deserves a mention
I found myself wondering what happens if Pirani sticks around and his game progresses, and Teddy KDP keeps doing Teddy KDP things, and the team goes out and gets a difference-making DP to fill that third slot…
This always happens.