St. Louis City SC vs. D.C. United: Preview, time and how to watch
Tonight D.C. United travel to Missouri for their clash at CITYPARK against St. Louis City SC.
While this is only the host team’s second MLS season, their home ground is already one of the most revered in the league. Every single home match of their inaugural MLS campaign sold out, and their fans sang in full voice each time.
The teams go into the match on a nearly identical point tally and similar runs of form, sharing the same record until the most recent matchday, where each side took on some of the league’s big-name teams. St. Louis have earned six points from their first four matches, remaining unbeaten with one win and three draws after their 3-3 tie against the LA Galaxy last weekend. United’s unbeaten start to the season ended in their recent 3-1 loss to a Luis Suarez-fueled Inter Miami, putting them on five points from four with a win, two draws, and a loss.
The match sees players from each side face their former team, several of whom were part of a recent swap deal from this past off-season. Long-serving D.C. midfielder Chris Durkin departed for St. Louis in a swap deal that brought in Jared Stroud and Lucas Bartlett. Stroud and Bartlett have instantly become integral parts of the new-look United side, respectively bringing dynamism and security to the starting eleven.
Key Player: Lucas Bartlett
The former St. Louis centerback will be looking to build on his great early-season form by continuing to add stability to the D.C. backline. His understanding of his former teammates and their seemingly fluid attack at times this season will be imperative in stopping them.
Watch out for: Celio Pompeu and Roman Bürki
While Pompeu hasn’t had an emphatic return in his MLS career thus far, the Brazilian wide midfielder has started this season as arguably the brightest spark in St. Louis’ attack. Cutting in from the left onto his right foot, he’s registered two important goals and an assist so far this year. He’ll be looking to exploit Aaron Herrera’s absence.
Bürki’s amazing performance against the LA Galaxy was the sole reason that the team was able to bring a point back home. The former Dortmund man again showed why he is one of the best keepers in the league and will hope to build on that performance against D.C.
D.C. United Availability:
Out: Steven Birnbaum (knee), Tyler Miller (shoulder), Garrison Tubbs (thigh), Pedro Santos (suspension), Matai Akinmboni (international duty), Kristian Fletcher (international duty), Aaron Herrera (international duty), Matti Peltola (international duty)
Questionable: Russell Canouse (ankle)
St. Louis City SC Availability:
Out: Eduard Löwen (hamstring), Tim Parker (back)
Location: CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO
Kickoff Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Referee: Amin Hadzic
Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
I think United has shown that they can contend with basically any team in the league. The next step is being able to beat at least some of those teams.
I honestly don’t know if the current depth of the squad could be doing any better. Summer will help, but what we really need is another offseason to ditch salaries and plan trades with the current GM and coach in place.
Assuming Lesesne doesn’t do something outrageous to mar what he’s doing, but that seems unlikely.
Don’t jinx it.
Goff is now reporting than Birnbaum is out and without a timetable for return. Canouse is being brought back up very slowly. Ideally we’ll be a little better once the international call-ups return, but we desperately need another body or two for the busy summer. Might have to be an academy kid if there’s anyone knocking on the door.